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Eddie in hunt for Mason
June 18, 2009
Article from: The Australian
FORMER Wallabies coach Eddie Jones could come to the rescue of the Sydney Roosters by taking Willie Mason off their hands.
It is understood Jones -- a coaching consultant at Japanese rugby union club Suntory -- has been attempting to contact Mason's manager Greg Keenan to talk about a potential move to Japan.
The Australian revealed in March the Roosters were willing to let Mason leave if he secured an overseas deal.
After initially denying the story, Roosters officials confirmed this week Mason was free to go if an alternative eventuated.
Jones, and Suntory, could be that alternative. The former Wallabies mentor has also been linked with Karmichael Hunt and it is understood informal talks have taken place with the Brisbane and Queensland fullback.
However, amid growing speculation Hunt could remain in the NRL, Jones may be ready to turn his attention to Mason, who remains one of the highest profile players in the game despite a mixed season for his club.
It isn't the first time the former NSW and Australia forward has attracted attention from rugby union -- or Jones.
Four years ago when Mason was considering a switch of codes, he held talks with Jones. However, the move to sign Mason was scuppered by then-ARU chief executive Gary Flowers, who informed Jones there would be no offer to Mason.
Three years before that, former NSW Waratahs coach Bob Dwyer held talks with Mason over a potential move to rugby union.
Hunt, in camp with the Maroons in the lead-up to the second State of Origin game, has been linked with St George Illawarra in recent weeks, although Dragons officials have denied they have made a play for the former Test custodian.
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Originally Posted by The Lone Hydrangea
