Willie Mason and his manager Greg Keenan have confirmed Willie will be honouring his contract and staying at the Roosters for at least the next 2 years.
Following some media reports today, Willie was keen to put an end to speculation about his future.
AS outrage continued to spread around the NRL yesterday over Sonny Bill Williams' defection, the streetcorner tip was Willie Mason would be next.
Hours later, Mason confirmed as much. "Never say never,'' he said, as it emerged his manager was in France shopping his name to French clubs.
New Zealand-born hooker Oli Avei has signed with the Waikato Rugby Union. Avei, 25, was a member of the Queensland Reds squad for the past three seasons, a former Australian Under 21 and Schoolboys representative, and a former Queensland Under 19 and Schoolboys representative. Wellington-born Avei is on a one-year contract with Waikato and is set to arrive in New Zealand tonight.
Fullback Taniela Rawaqa's second-half try set up Fiji's 24-12 win over Japan in the Pacific Nations Cup yesterday.
Three penalties enabled Japan to grab a 9-3 halftime lead. But the hosts fell behind 10-9 when Sireli Naqelevuki ran in a converted try 10 minutes after the break.
Former Auckland and Northland player James Arlidge regained the initiative for Japan with his fourth penalty goal of the match.
QR Reds flyer Blair Connor and Manu Samoan player Ray Stowers will make a timely return for the Eagles on Saturday when they face University at Shawsportz in Round 14 of Trinity Premier Rugby.
Connor, away with the Australian Under 20s team who secured fifth place at the IRB Junior World Championships in Wales this month, returns to outside centre while Stowers has been released from the Manu Samoan squad for two weeks.
NEW ZEALAND-bound Iliesa Keresoni is back training with the Tailevu team as they prepare to defend the Farebrother Sullivan Cup against Navosa today. Keresoni returned from New Zealand on Monday and went straight into training though Tailevu wanted him to rest but the youngster showed no signs of hitting the back seat according to Tailevu team manager Peni Vesikula. “Keresoni is back after signing his contract in New Zealand and will add fire in the backline,” he said.
Snapper Rocks Ace Shaun Gossmann Cleans Up At Billabong Winter Classic (Monday 14th July, 2008): THE race for the 2008 Billabong Queensland Championship Circuit (QCC) crown is heating up with the fourth stop of the six round, $30,000 series wrapping up on the Gold Coast yesterday.
IRELAND-bound Timoci Nagusa has paid tribute to his family, especially mum, Luisa, for being the pillar behind his rugby career.
The 20-year-old, who turns a year older on Monday, received an early birthday gift and will complete Ulster's new-look squad for next season after being lined-up by coach Matt Williams as the replacement for Ireland wing Tommy Bowe.
Last night, Nagusa's family cooked up a feast at Dratabu Village, in Nadi, to celebrate the winger's success on the rugby paddock and his new job as a professional player.
Munster have appointed Laurie Fisher as their new forwards coach, replacing fellow Australian Jim Williams.
Fisher, formerly of ACT Brumbies, has also coached Australia A and joins the Magners League outfit on a two-year deal.
Fiji wing Timoci Nagusa will complete Ulster's new-look squad for next season.
Nagusa has been lined up by coach Matt Williams as the replacement for Ireland wing Tommy Bowe, who left Ravenhill for the Neath/Swansea Ospreys at the end of last season. An official announcement of his signing is expected within the week once his visa has been sorted out.
You have heard about Adam MacDougall vowing in an Origin camp to hit Wendell Sailor so hard his rival would turn white.
And you've heard how he once summoned his most valuable assets to an urgent pre-match address and told them: "Don't let me down, legs."
Well, unless we were sorely mistaken, it was possible to read MacDougall's every thought when he locked horns with Sailor again last night...
QUEENSLAND halfback Ben Lucas is being groomed as the shock solution to the Wallabies' sole chronically weak position: five-eighth.
For all the understandable angst over the loss of second-rower Dan Vickerman, ready replacements are on hand to take over from him in James Horwill and Mark Chisholm.
But if anything was to happen to five-eighth Matt Giteau, the Australian team would be in dire straits. Berrick Barnes would be the man most likely entrusted with the role