New Jersey Route 42 and Willie Mason: Difference between pages

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{{otheruses4|the rugby league player|the singer-songwriter|Willy Mason}}
{{fixHTML|begin}}
{{Infobox rugby league biography
{{Infobox_road
| new = yes
|state=NJ
| playername = Willie Mason
|type=NJ
| image = Mason2.jpg
|route=42
| image_size= 200px
|alternate_name=[[Black Horse Pike]]<br>North-South Freeway
| country =
|length_mi=14.28
| height = 195cm
|length_round=2
| weight(kg) = 114
|length_ref=<ref name = "sld"/>
| fullname = William Marshall Mason
|maint=[[NJDOT]]
| nickname = Mase, Big Willie
|direction_a=South
| living = true
|starting_terminus=[[Image:No image wide.svg|25px]][[Image:Spur plate county.svg|20px]]<br />[[Image:US 322.svg|25px]][[Image:County 536.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Route 322|US 322]]/[[County Route 536 Spur (New Jersey)|Spur CR 536]] in [[Monroe Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey|Monroe Township]]
| dateofbirth = {{birth date and age|1980|4|15}}
|junction=[[Image:Atlantic City Expressway.svg|20px]] [[Atlantic City Expressway|ACE]] in [[Washington Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey|Washington Township]]<br>[[Image:Circle sign 168.svg|25px]] [[New Jersey Route 168|NJ 168]] in [[Blackwood, New Jersey|Blackwood]]<br>[[Image:Circle sign 41.svg|20px]] [[New Jersey Route 41|NJ 41]] in [[Deptford Township, New Jersey|Deptford Township]]<br>[[Image:Circle sign 55.svg|20px]] [[New Jersey Route 55|NJ 55]] in [[Deptford Township, New Jersey|Deptford Township]]
| placeofbirth = [[Toronto]]
|direction_b=North
| countryofbirth = [[Australia]]
|ending_terminus=[[Image:I-76.svg|20px]][[Image:I-295.svg|25px]] [[Interstate 76 (east)|I-76]]/[[Interstate 295 (Delaware-New Jersey)|I-295]] in [[Bellmawr, New Jersey|Bellmawr]]
| position = {{rlp|SR|PR}}
|established=1927
| currentclub = {{leagueicon|Sydney Roosters|size=16}} [[Sydney Roosters]]
|previous_type=NJ
| representative = true
|previous_route=41
| club1 = {{leagueicon|Bulldogs|16}} [[Bulldogs]]
|next_type=NJ
| year1start = 2000
|next_route=44
| year1end = 2007
|commons=category
| appearances1 = 148
| tries1 = 36
| goals1 = 0
| fieldgoals1 = 0
| points1 = 144
| club2 = {{leagueicon|Sydney|16}} [[Sydney Roosters]]
| year2start = 2008
| year2end = present
| appearances2 = 20
| tries2 = 4
| goals2 = 0
| fieldgoals2 = 0
| points2 = 16
| teamA = {{leagueicon|Tonga|16}} [[Tonga national rugby league team|Tonga]]
| yearAstart = 2000
| appearancesA = 3
| triesA = 0
| goalsA = 0
| fieldgoalsA = 0
| pointsA = 0
| teamB = {{leagueicon|Australia|16}} [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]]
| yearBstart = 2002
| yearBend = present
| appearancesB = 24
| triesB = 7
| goalsB = 0
| fieldgoalsB = 0
| pointsB = 28
| teamC = {{leagueicon|Country|16}} [[City vs Country Origin|Country Origin]]
| yearCstart = 2003
| yearCend = 2004
| appearancesC = 2
| triesC = 0
| goalsC = 0
| fieldgoalsC = 0
| pointsC = 0
| teamD = {{leagueicon|New South Wales|16}} [[New South Wales state rugby league team|New South Wales]]
| yearDstart = 2003
| yearDend = present
| appearancesD = 13
| triesD = 1
| goalsD = 0
| fieldgoalsD = 0
| pointsD = 4
| updated = 18:15, 8 September 2008 (UTC)
| source = [http://203.166.101.37/NRL08/playercareer.asp?lplayer=40 NRL Stats]
}}
}}
'''William Marshall Mason''' (born [[15 April]] [[1980]] in [[Toronto, New South Wales]]) is a professional [[rugby league]] player in the Australian [[National Rugby League]] competition. He currently plays for the [[Sydney Roosters]] as well as representing [[New South Wales Rugby League team|New South Wales]], [[Tonga national rugby league team|Tonga]] and [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]]. His position of choice is [[Rugby league positions#Second-row forwards|second row]] or [[Rugby league positions#Prop forwards|front row]].
{{fixHTML|mid}}
{|class="infobox" width="230px"
!style="background: #ccf;"|<big>Communities</big><ref name="sld"/>
|-
|
*[[Monroe Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey|Monroe Township]]
*[[Washington Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey|Washington Township]]
*[[Deptford, New Jersey|Deptford]]
*[[Bellmawr, New Jersey|Bellmawr]]
|}
{{fixHTML|end}}
'''Route 42''' is a [[state highway]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[New Jersey]], in the [[Camden, New Jersey|Camden]] area. It runs for {{convert|14.28|mi|km|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="sld"/> from an intersection with [[U.S. Route 322 in New Jersey|U.S. Route 322]] and [[County Route 536 Spur (New Jersey)|County Route 536 Spur]] in [[Monroe Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey|Monroe Township]], [[Gloucester County, New Jersey|Gloucester County]] to an intersection with [[Interstate 76 (east)|Interstate 76]] and [[Interstate 295 (Delaware-New Jersey)|Interstate 295]] in [[Bellmawr, New Jersey|Bellmawr]], [[Camden County, New Jersey|Camden County]].


==Club career==
The route is a mix of [[freeway]] and [[divided highway|divided]] four-lane [[arterial road]] with the southern {{convert|6.35|mi|km|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="sld"/> of Route 42 a local arterial that is one of several highways comprising the [[Black Horse Pike]], a road that runs from Camden to [[Atlantic City, New Jersey|Atlantic City]] and the northern {{convert|7.93|mi|km|2|abbr=on}}<ref name="sld"/> a freeway referred to locally as the '''North-South Freeway''' (or simply the 42 Freeway) that is is directly connected to the [[Atlantic City Expressway]].
=== Canterbury Bulldogs ===
{{Unreferencedsection|date=June 2008}}
Willie Mason joined the [[Bulldogs (NRL team)|Canterbury Bulldogs]] at 17 years of age in 1998 and played in the junior U-18 Jersey Flegg competition. After a year with the club Mason was again a regular member of the Flegg team in 1999 but unfortunately suffered a leg fracture in the game before the Bulldogs' Flegg Grand Final win. The following year, Mason moved into the [[NSWRL Premier League]] and mid-season received an opportunity to make his debut in the [[National Rugby League]] following an injury to first-grader [[Darren Britt]]. Mason made his debut on the 30th of April during the [[National Rugby League season 2000|2000 season]] against the [[Penrith Panthers]]. He impressed early and became a regular member of the NRL team for the rest of the season.


In late 2000, Mason represented [[Tonga national rugby league team|Tonga]], the country of origin of his mother (his late father being a New Zealander), in the [[Rugby League World Cup]] played in [[Great Britain]] and [[Ireland]].
Route 42 was originally designated in 1927 to run along the Black Horse Pike between Ferry Avenue in Camden and the present [[U.S. Route 40 in New Jersey|U.S. Route 40]]/[[U.S. Route 322 in New Jersey|U.S. Route 322]] split in the [[McKee City, New Jersey|McKee City]] section of [[Hamilton Township, Atlantic County, New Jersey|Hamilton Township]], [[Atlantic County, New Jersey|Atlantic County]].<ref name=alpsroads2>{{cite web|url=http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/nj/log/5.html#42 | title=New Jersey Roads – NJ State Highways – 41-54|author=Alpert, Steve|publisher=Alps' Roads|accessdate=2008-10-08}}</ref><ref name="Map">{{cite web|author= Williams, Jimmy and Sharon |url=http://www.jimmyandsharonwilliams.com/njroads/1920s/images/1927_routes.gif|title=1927 New Jersey Road Map|publisher= 1920s New Jersey Highways|
accessdate=2008-10-08}}</ref> In 1953, the southern terminus was cut back to its current terminus in the [[Williamstown, New Jersey|Williamstown]] section of Monroe Township to avoid the concurrency it shared with U.S. Route 322. With the completion of the North-South Freeway between Bellmawr and [[Turnersville, New Jersey|Turnersville]] in 1959, Route 42 was moved to this freeway and the Black Horse Pike north of Turnersville became [[New Jersey Route 168|Route 168]].<ref name=alpsroads2>{{cite web|url=http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/nj/log/5.html#42 | title=New Jersey Roads – NJ State Highways – 41-54|author=Alpert, Steve|publisher=Alps' Roads|accessdate=2008-10-08}}</ref>


Mason cemented a starting position at the Dogs during the [[National Rugby League season 2001|2001 season]] but was involved in the 2002 Bulldogs salary cap dramas. In mid-2002, the Bulldogs were found guilty of serious and systemic breaches of the salary cap. The club was stripped of all 37 competition points. The latter action was particularly harmful, as the club were poised to take the Minor Premiership and had won 17 consecutive matches (the second highest in Australian club rugby league history at the time). Mason therefore missed out on the opportunity to take a Minor-Premiership and quite realistically a shot at the 2002 Grand Final. On a positive note during the year Mason was selected to make his debut for [[Australia national rugby league team|Australia]]. Since then Mason has played a total of 21 Tests for his country and is the Bulldogs' most-capped Test Player.
== Route description ==
===Black Horse Pike===
{{see also|Black Horse Pike}}
[[Image:Route 42 Begin.jpg|thumb|left|150px|A sign at the beginning of Northbound Route 42 on the [[Black Horse Pike]] just north of its southern terminus at [[U.S. Route 322 in New Jersey|US 322]]/[[County Route 536 Spur (New Jersey)|CR 536 Spur]].]]Route 42 begins at an intersection with [[U.S. Route 322 in New Jersey|U.S. Route 322]] and [[County Route 536 Spur (New Jersey)|County Route 536 Spur]] in [[Monroe Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey|Monroe Township]], [[Gloucester County, New Jersey|Gloucester County]] where it heads to the north on the Black Horse Pike.<ref name="sld"/> For the first 6.35 miles, Route 42 is a divided highway that intersects various local roads and is lined with many businesses. At mile marker 2.62, it crosses [[County Route 689 (Gloucester County, New Jersey)|County Route 689]] (Berlin-Cross Keys Road) and enters [[Washington Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey|Washington Township]]. It then intersects the northern terminus of [[County Route 555 (New Jersey)|County Route 555]] (Tuckahoe Road) at mile marker 3.51. After the intersection with County Route 555, Route 42 intersects three more county routes: [[County Route 655 (Gloucester County, New Jersey)|County Route 655]] (Fries Mill Road) at mile marker 4.92, [[County Route 639 (Gloucester County, New Jersey)|County Route 639]] (Ganttown Road) at mile marker 5.30, and [[County Route 651 (Gloucester County, New Jersey)|County Route 651]] (Greentree Road) at mile marker 5.81.<ref name="sld"/> At 6.35 miles, the [[Atlantic City Expressway]] starts to the right at an unnumbered intersection, [[New Jersey Route 168|Route 168]] continues to the north on the Black Horse Pike, and Route 42 becomes the North-South Freeway.


In 2003 Mason's consistent performance was rewarded as he made his debut for [[New South Wales rugby league team|New South Wales]] in Game 3 of the [[Rugby League State of Origin|2003 State of Origin Series]]. The following year the Dogs reached the [[National Rugby League season 2004|2004 Grand Final]] and Willie Mason experienced Grand Final glory as the Dogs triumphed 16-13 over the [[Sydney Roosters]]. Mason was further awarded the [[Clive Churchill Medal]] for 'Man-of-the-Match in a Grand Final'.
===North-South Freeway===
[[Image:Route 42 SB.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Route 42 southbound at the [[Atlantic City Expressway]] split in [[Turnersville, New Jersey|Turnersville]].]]Upon becoming the North-South Freeway, Route 42 crosses into [[Gloucester Township, New Jersey|Gloucester Township]], [[Camden County, New Jersey|Camden County]] and comes to the first numbered exit for [[County Route 705 (Camden County, New Jersey)|County Route 705]] at mile marker 6.62, which provides access to Route 168.<ref name="sld"/> [[County Route 534 (New Jersey)|County Route 534]] interchanges at 8.81 miles with a southbound exit and northbound entrance. [[County Route 706 (Camden County, New Jersey)|County Route 706]] (Coles Road) interchanges at 9.48 miles with a northbound exit and southbound entrance.<ref name="sld"/> At mile marker 10, Route 42 encounters Exits 9B and 10A are for Route 168, with Exit 9B serving northbound Route 168 and providing access to the [[New Jersey Turnpike]] and Exit 10A serving southbound Route 168. [[County Route 681 (Camden County, New Jersey)|County Route 681]] interchanges at 11.02 miles, with a southbound exit and northbound entrance, and Route 42 enters Gloucester County again in [[Deptford Township, New Jersey|Deptford Township]] at mile marker 11.10 after crossing the South Branch of [[Big Timber Creek]].<ref name="sld"/>


Disaster struck for Mason in 2005 as Willie's season was over before it even started. He suffered a fractured ankle during Australia's 36-24 win over USA in an international rugby league friendly match at Philadelphia's Franklin Field in December 2004. Mason was out of action for most of the season and did not play in the NRL until Round 18 where the Bulldogs were experiencing a Grand-Final hangover and already stuck in the bottom-eight of the competition.
At mile marker 11.54, [[New Jersey Route 41|Route 41]] interchanges with a northbound exit and entrance and [[County Route 544 (New Jersey)|County Route 544]] interchanges at mile marker 11.95.<ref name="sld"/><ref name=gmdm>{{cite map|publisher=[[Google Maps]]|title=Map of Deptford Mall area|year=2008|url=http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=39.8313,-75.0977&spn=0.3,0.3&t=h&q=39.8313,-75.0977 |accessdate=2008-10-06}}</ref> Both these interchangers provide access to the [[Deptford Mall]] and to [[New Jersey Route 55|Route 55]] from northbound Route 42, which has no direct access to that route.<ref name=gmdm>{{cite map|publisher=[[Google Maps]]|title=Map of Deptford Mall area|year=2008|url=http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=39.8313,-75.0977&spn=0.3,0.3&t=h&q=39.8313,-75.0977 |accessdate=2008-10-06}}</ref> At mile marker 12.54, Route 42 meets the northern terminus of the Route 55 freeway Exit 13 with a southbound exit and northbound entrance.<ref name="sld"/> It then crosses the Big Timber Creek into [[Runnemede, New Jersey|Runnemede]], Camden County at mile marker 13.11, where it passes over the New Jersey Turnpike without an interchange at mile marker 13.25. It then enters [[Bellmawr, New Jersey|Bellmawr]] at mile marker 13.44. At mile marker 13.82, Route 42 features [[right-in/right-out]] ramps with Leaf Avenue, which provides access to [[County Route 753 (Camden County, New Jersey)|County Route 753]] (Creek Road) .<ref name="sld"/> Route 42 then continues north to its terminus at [[Interstate 295 (Delaware-New Jersey)|Interstate 295]] where the route then becomes [[Interstate 76 (east)|Interstate 76]], which heads to [[Camden, New Jersey|Camden]] and [[Philadelphia]] .<ref name="sld"/>


In 2006, Willie returned to become a regular member of the Bulldogs team where he managed to play 20 club matches (1157 minutes), all three Origin games for NSW - in which he was named Man of the Match in the opening game and three Tests for Australia in the Tri-Nations series. He was a firm figure in the clubs return to finals football as the Bulldogs finished second on the ladder, the Dogs were beaten by eventual Premiers the [[Brisbane Broncos]] one game shy of the Grand Final. Many believe if it wasn't for his suspension following an incident in Round 24 against Brisbane, he could have well been named the [[Dally M Awards|Dally M Player of the Year]]. In consolation for Mason he was nominated for the Provan Summons Medal for fan's player of the year. {{Fact|date=May 2008}}
The North-South Freeway portion is a major route for daily commuters from southern New Jersey to [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania]] and weekend commuters from southeastern [[Pennsylvania]] to the southern [[Jersey Shore]] via [[New Jersey Route 55|Route 55]]. Route 42 sees frequent congestion on a daily basis, from the end of the [[Atlantic City Expressway]] to the I-76/I-295 interchange. While Route 42 ends at I-295, the North-South Freeway is sometimes called "Route 42" all the way to the I-76/[[I-676]] split.<ref>''[[The Philadelphia Inquirer]]'', Suspect in shoplifting jailed after car chase, [[January 17]], [[2002]]: "He was pursued back to Haddonfield-Berlin Road, onto Interstate 295, then to Route 42 and onto Route 130, police said."</ref>


In 2007, Mason was selected for all three Origin games for NSW and represented Australia in the ANZAC Test match.
[[Snow removal]], litter control, and [[landscaping]] of Route 42 between the end of the Atlantic City Expressway and Interstate 295 is performed by the [[South Jersey Transportation Authority]].<ref>[http://www.sjta.com/sjta/reports/1999_ann.pdf 1999 Annual Report], SJTA, page 9</ref>


=== End of 2007 season ===
== History ==
At the conclusion of the 2007 NRL season, Mason attracted media coverage. It began circulating that Mason was unhappy at the Bulldogs and on the [[31 October]], [[2007]] ''[[The Daily Telegraph (Australia)|The Daily Telegraph]]'' reported that Willie wanted to quit the Bulldogs after an altercation with the club's CEO Malcolm Noad, which apparently came about after Mason was told he would be fined $50,000AUD because he did not attend an end of season lunch with the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs board officially denied this and a war-of-words began between the star forward and his clubs board. Things further went sour when the club rejected Masons request to fight in a professional boxing match that could have earned Mason up to $100,000AUD.<ref name="Willie Mason threatens to quit Bulldogs">{{cite news
[[Image:Route 42 Bridge.jpg|thumb|left|200px|The [[New Jersey Route 54|Route 54]] bridge over the [[Black Horse Pike]] ([[U.S. Route 322 in New Jersey|U.S. Route 322]]) in [[Folsom, New Jersey|Folsom]], showing the former Route 42 designation used before the [[1953 renumbering]].]]In 1927, Route 42 was legislated to run along the [[Black Horse Pike]], a road that traces its origins back to 1855 when the [[Camden and Blackwoodstown Turnpike Company]] was established by entrepreneurs who had helped create the [[White Horse Pike]] to build a gravel road that would run from [[Camden, New Jersey|Camden]] south to [[Blackwood, New Jersey|Blackwoodtown]] and eventually to [[Atlantic City, New Jersey|Atlantic City]],<ref name=pressac>{{cite web|title=Answer Guy: How did the White Horse and Black Horse Pikes get their names?|publisher=[[The Press of Atlantic City]]|date=[[August 31]], [[2008]]|url=http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/179/story/243729.html|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref> from Ferry Avenue in Camden to [[New Jersey Route 48|Route 48]] (now [[U.S. Route 40 in New Jersey|U.S. Route 40]]) in [[McKee City, New Jersey|McKee City]]. <ref name=alpsroads2>{{cite web|url=http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/nj/log/5.html#42 | title=New Jersey Roads – NJ State Highways – 41-54|author=Alpert, Steve|publisher=Alps' Roads|accessdate=2008-10-08}}</ref><ref name="Map">{{cite web|author= Williams, Jimmy and Sharon |url=http://www.jimmyandsharonwilliams.com/njroads/1920s/images/1927_routes.gif|title=1927 New Jersey Road Map|publisher= 1920s New Jersey Highways|
| title = Willie Mason threatens to quit Bulldogs
accessdate=2008-10-08}}</ref> In the mid-1930s, [[U.S. Route 322 in New Jersey|U.S. Route 322]] was assigned to follow the routing of Route 42 between [[Williamstown, New Jersey|Williamstown]] and McKee City. <ref name=alpsroads>{{cite web|url=http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/nj/log/11.html#322| title=New Jersey Roads – NJ State Highways – 278-444|author=Alpert, Steve|publisher=Alps' Roads|accessdate=2008-10-08}}</ref> With the [[1953 New Jersey state highway renumbering]], which eliminated long concurrencies between U.S. Routes and State Routes, the southern terminus of Route 42 was cut back to Williamstown to avoid the concurrency with U.S. Route 322. <ref name=alpsroads2>{{cite web|url=http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/nj/log/5.html#42 | title=New Jersey Roads – NJ State Highways – 41-54|author=Alpert, Steve|publisher=Alps' Roads|accessdate=2008-10-08}}</ref>
| url = http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22679575-5001021,00.html
| publisher = The Daily Telegraph
| date = [[2007-10-31]]
| accessdate = 2007-10-31}}</ref> On the [[1 November]], [[2007]] the ''[[Daily Herald]]'' reported that Willie was to be released from the final two years of his contract after the club rejected his chance to fight in a professional boxing match worth up to $100,000[[AUD]] and because the club claimed to be fining Willie $50,000AUD for failure to attend an end of season function, something the Bulldogs denied.
<ref name="Bulldogs, mauler Mason part ways">{{cite news
| title = Bulldogs, mauler Mason part ways
| url = http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/bulldogs-mason-part-ways/2007/10/31/1193618974139.html
| publisher = The Daily Herald
| date = [[2007-11-01]]
| accessdate = 2007-10-31}}</ref>
The speculation that Mason was to be released from his contract led to a number of English & Australian clubs confirming they were in the hunt for Mason's services for 2008. [[Hull FC]] confirmed they were in talks with Willie Mason's agent Greg Keenan about a possible move to the [[KC Stadium]]. <ref name="Aussie ace Mason holds Hull talks">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/super_league/hull/7079161.stm=|title=Aussie ace Mason holds Hull talks|publisher=BBC|date=2007-11-05|accessdate=2007-11-05}}</ref> Another English Super League club [[Harlequins RL]] met with Keenan while he was in the UK and [[Wigan Warriors]] owner Ian Lenagan made Mason a £1.5m, three-year offer to move to the [[JJB Stadium]]. <ref name="Wigan move for Aussie ace Mason">{{cite web|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/7079161.stm|title=Wigan move for Aussie ace Mason|publisher=BBC|date=2007-11-10|accessdate=2007-11-12}}</ref> [[Ian Lenagan|Lenagan]] since denied that he would be bringing Mason to Wigan, but did not distance himself from trying to sign Mason to the London based [[Harlequins RL]]. <ref name="Lenagan Denies Mason Link">{{cite web|url=http://www.wiganwarriors.com/news_full.asp?newsid=3419|title=Lenagan Denies Mason Link|publisher=Wigan Warriors|date=2007-11-12|accessdate=2007-11-12}}</ref> Although the English Super League clubs could offer Mason a lot more dollars it appeared early on that Mason was intent on the staying in the [[National Rugby League|NRL]] and the [[Sydney Roosters]], [[St George Illawarra Dragons]] and [[Cronulla Sharks]] emerged as the three clubs that were the most likely in signing the star forward. {{Fact|date=June 2008}}


===Sydney Roosters===
The North-South Freeway portion of Route 42 was originally planned as a [[parkway]] in 1932 that was to run from the [[Ben Franklin Bridge]] in Camden to Atlantic City, but this proposal never materialized. In the late 1940s, the North-South Freeway was planned by the [[New Jersey State Highway Department]] to run from the Ben Franklin Bridge to [[Turnersville, New Jersey|Turnersville]]. <ref name=phillyroads>{{cite web|url=http://www.phillyroads.com/roads/NJ-42/|title=NJ 42 Freeway|author=Anderson, Steve|publisher=Eastern Roads|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref> In the early 1950s, right-of-way for Route 42 was acquired and actual construction of the freeway came next. The Route 42 freeway opened between [[Interstate 295 (Delaware-New Jersey)|Interstate 295]] in [[Bellmawr, New Jersey|Bellmawr]] and the Black Horse Pike in [[Blackwood, New Jersey|Blackwood]] in 1958 and between the Black Horse Pike in Blackwood and Turnersville in 1959. <ref name=phillyroads>{{cite web|url=http://www.phillyroads.com/roads/NJ-42/|title=NJ 42 Freeway|author=Anderson, Steve|publisher=Eastern Roads|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref> With the completion of the North-South Freeway portion of Route 42, the Black Horse Pike north of Turnersville became [[New Jersey Route 168|Route 168]]. <ref name=alpsroads2>{{cite web|url=http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/nj/log/5.html#42 | title=New Jersey Roads – NJ State Highways – 41-54|author=Alpert, Steve|publisher=Alps' Roads|accessdate=2008-10-08}}</ref>
After the Roosters were able to release back-rower [[Ashley Harrison]] to the Gold Coast Titans, and promising young forward Danny Williams to the Bulldogs, it freed up around $250,000 of funds to make a decent pitch for Mason and on 15 November it was confirmed that Willie Mason had signed a three-year deal with the Eastern Suburbs based club. <ref name="Roosters line up big Willie for three years as Dragons, Wigan drop out of race. It has been rumoured that for the 2009 season, mason will drop the traditional tri colour jersey & play wearing a yellow chicken suit">{{cite web|url=http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/roosters-line-up-big-willie/2007/11/13/1194766676248.html|title=Roosters line up big Willie for three years as Dragons, Wigan drop out of race|publisher=LeagueHQ|date=2007-11-14|accessdate=2007-11-14}}</ref>


==Representative career==
Following its completion, the North-South Freeway portion of Route 42 has seen many improvements. In 1965 the freeway was widened to six lanes for most of its length with the northernmost part being widened to eight lanes due to the completion of the [[Atlantic City Expressway]] and development along the route. <ref name=phillyroads>{{cite web|url=http://www.phillyroads.com/roads/NJ-42/|title=NJ 42 Freeway|author=Anderson, Steve|publisher=Eastern Roads|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref> Between 1996 and August 1999, the route was widened to eight lanes between Interstate 295 and [[New Jersey Route 55|Route 55]] in [[Deptford Township, New Jersey|Deptford Township]]. In the early 2000s, the interchanges with [[New Jersey Route 41|Route 41]] and [[County Route 544 (New Jersey)|County Route 544]] in Deptford were rebuilt to improve movements within the area.<ref name=phillyroads>{{cite web|url=http://www.phillyroads.com/roads/NJ-42/|title=NJ 42 Freeway|author=Anderson, Steve|publisher=Eastern Roads|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref> In October 2003, the [[New Jersey Department of Transportation]] (NJDOT) installed exit tabs along the stretch of the freeway portion of Route 42. <ref name=phillyroads>{{cite web|url=http://www.phillyroads.com/roads/NJ-42/|title=NJ 42 Freeway|author=Anderson, Steve|publisher=Eastern Roads|accessdate=2008-10-09}}</ref> They also installed mile markers with the shield at the top for better recognition with the confusing name changes of the heavily traveled freeway.
In 2002, Mason was selected for the [[Australian national rugby league team|Australian]] team against [[Great Britain national rugby league team|Great Britain]], scoring a try on debut. He also previously represented Tonga in the [[2000 Rugby League World Cup]]. He has played 17 international matches, including the 2003 [[Kangaroo Tour]], and 2004-5 [[Rugby League Tri-Nations|Tri-Nations]] tournaments.


Mason was first selected for [[New South Wales Rugby League team|New South Wales]] in [[Rugby League State of Origin|State of Origin]] in 2003, and appeared for New South Wales on 11 occasions, winning the man-of-the-match award in the first game in 2006.
==Future developments==
{{Future road|section}}
Camden County wishes to build a new interchange along Route 42 at College Drive (CR 673), to ease traffic headed for [[Camden County College]]. When completed this would likely become a newly created Exit 7. The NJDOT is going to build the missing movements between [[Interstate 295 (New Jersey)|I-295]] NB and Route 42 SB, and Route 42 NB to [[Interstate 295 (New Jersey)|I-295]] SB. These new ramps will likely be completed before the reconstruction of the Route 42/[[Interstate 295 (New Jersey)|I-295]]/[[Interstate 76 (New Jersey)|I-76]] interchange. Once complete it will likely become a new Exit 14A, changing the current Exit 14 ([[County Route 753 (Camden County, New Jersey)|CR 753]]) to a new Exit 14B for Northbound drivers.<ref>[http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/capital/stip0710/sec3/routes/rt42.pdf FY 2007-10 STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM], [[New Jersey Department of Transportation]]. Accessed [[June 3]], [[2007]].</ref> The NJDOT has long term plans for 2011-2020 to reconstruct the entire Route 42 freeway from [[Interstate 295 (New Jersey)|I-295]] to the [[Atlantic City Expressway]]. This would likely involve rubblizing the severely worn out concrete slabs and laying a smoother asphalt surface. It is not known if they will add any lanes to the wide grass median.<ref>[http://www.dvrpc.org/LongRangePlan/Final/Destination2030_Transportation.pdf Destination 2030], DVRPC (Page 9, ID #10). Accessed [[August 15]], [[2007]].</ref>


Mason was televised appearing to swear during the New Zealand [[haka]], before game 1 of the [[2006 Rugby League Tri-Nations|2006 Gillette Tri-nations Series]]. Later in the match Mason suffered a swollen black eye and suspected broken eye socket after a headknock by [[David Kidwell]]. [http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/856605] Mason has explained that his swearing was in response to the traditional [[Māori]] dance being performed by [[Brent Webb]], an Indigenous Australian of [[Torres Strait Islander]] origin who became a New Zealand citizen. Mason later described Kidwell's hit as a "cheap shot" and promised to respond.
==Exit list==
{| class=wikitable
!County
!Location
!Mile<ref name="sld">{{cite web|url=http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/00000042__-.pdf|title=Route 42 straight line diagram|publisher=[[New Jersey Department of Transportation]]|accessdate=2007-03-27}}</ref>
![[Exit number|#]]
!Destinations
!Notes
|-
|rowspan=4|[[Gloucester County, New Jersey|Gloucester]]
|[[Monroe Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey|Monroe Twp.]]
|0.00
|
|{{jct|state=NJ|US|322|CR-Spur|536|name2=Sicklerville Road}}
|-
|rowspan=3|[[Washington Township, Gloucester County, New Jersey|Washington Twp.]]
|3.51
|
|{{jct|state=NJ|CR|555|dir1=south|name1=Tuckahoe Road}}
|-
!colspan=6|South end of freeway
|-
|6.35
|
|{{jct|state=NJ|ACE|dir1=east}}
|
|-
|rowspan=7|[[Camden County, New Jersey|Camden]]
|rowspan=7|[[Gloucester Township, New Jersey|Gloucester Twp.]]
|rowspan=2|6.62
|rowspan=2|7
|{{jct|state=NJ|to1=to|NJ|168|city1=Sicklerville|city2=Blackwood}}
|northbound exit
|-
|{{jct|state=NJ|NJ|168|dir1=north|city1=Sicklerville}}
|southbound exit
|-
|8.81
|8
|{{jct|state=NJ|CR|534|city1=Blackwood|city2=Pine Hill|city3=Clementon}}
|southbound exit
|-
|9.48
|9A
|Coles Road - [[Blenheim, New Jersey|Blenheim]], [[Almonesson, New Jersey|Almonesson]]
|northbound exit
|-
|10.00
|9B
|{{jct|state=NJ|NJ|168|dir1=north|to2=to|NJTP|city1=Chews Landing}}
|northbound exit
|-
|10.00
|10A
|{{jct|state=NJ|NJ|168|dir1=south|city1=Blenheim|city2=Almonesson}}
|southbound exit
|-
|11.02
|10B
|{{jct|state=NJ|CR|681|county1=Camden|city1=Almonesson|city2=Chews Landing}}
|southbound exit
|-
|rowspan=3|Gloucester
|rowspan=3|[[Deptford Township, New Jersey|Deptford Twp.]]
|11.54
|12
|{{jct|state=NJ|NJ|41|dir1=south|city1=Deptford|city2=Pitman|city3=Glassboro}}
|southbound exit
|-
|11.95
|12
|{{jct|state=NJ|CR|544|city1=Deptford|city2=Woodbury|city3=Runnemede}}
|
|-
|12.54
|13
|{{jct|state=NJ|NJ|55|dir1=south|city1=Glassboro|city2=Vineland}}
|southbound exit
|-
|rowspan=2|Camden
|rowspan=2|[[Bellmawr, New Jersey|Bellmawr]]
|13.97
|14
|{{jct|state=NJ|to1=to|CR|753|county1=Camden|name1=Creek Road|city1=Bellmawr}}
|
|-
|14.28
|14
|{{jct|state=NJ|I|76|I|295|to3=to|US|130|to4=to|I|676}} - [[Walt Whitman Bridge|W Whitman Br]], [[Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|Philadelphia]], [[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]], [[Camden, New Jersey|Camden]]
|Road continues as [[Interstate 76 (New Jersey)|I-76]]
|-
|}


His actions in Great Britain's defeat of Australia earned him a ban from the game and a fine of $2,500 after striking Great Britain prop [[Stuart Fielden]]. {{Fact|date=March 2008}} An incident where Mason punched Fielden in the face and was subsequently punched and knocked to the ground by Fielden's team mate [[Jamie Peacock]].
==References==

{{Reflist}}
In August, 2008, Mason was named in the [[Australia_national_rugby_league_team#Rugby_League_World_Cup_Squad|preliminary 46-man Kangaroos squad]] for the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup]].<ref>{{cite news|author=Liam FitzGibbon|publisher="Fox Sports News (Australia)"|title=Surprises in Kangaroos squad|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,24111780-23214,00.html|accessdate=2008-08-02|date=[[2008-08-01]]}}</ref><ref name="Veteran Lockyer named in Australian squad">{{cite web|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/08/01/sports/AS-RGL-Australia-Squad.php|title=Veteran Lockyer named in Australian squad|publisher=International Herald Tribune|date=2008-08-01|accessdate=2008-08-02}}</ref>

He has been named in the [[Tonga_national_rugby_league_team#2008_World_Cup_Squad|Tonga training squad]] for the [[2008 Rugby League World Cup]].<ref name="Tug-of-war over Mason">{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12196_3935853,00.html|title=Tug-of-war over Mason|publisher=Sky Sports|date=2008-08-05|accessdate=2008-08-06}}</ref>

==NFL Prospects==
In June 2006, news speculation surfaced that Mason was considering joining the United States' [[National Football League]] (NFL), a childhood dream. He was said to be courted by several teams, including the [[Oakland Raiders]] and [[San Francisco 49ers]]. [http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,19422742-23214,00.html] In July it was confirmed the [[New York Giants]] had offered him the opportunity to trial with them after the Rugby League Tri-Nations series finishes in November. [http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,19941208-5006066,00.html] However, the Canterbury club had dismissed the deal, and Mason remained with the club beyond 2006. [http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,19989772-2722,00.html]

In December 2006, Mason took part in a trial with the [[New York Jets]], but still maintained he would fulfil his contract with the Bulldogs until the end of the 2009 season. [http://ninemsn.sportal.com.au/default.aspx?s=leaguedisplay&id=92080] Mason said ''"I'm probably at the time in my career now where maybe it is time for a change. New York City is the capital of the world. I'm pretty sure I could settle in there if given the opportunity,..."''[http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/leaving-on-a-jet-plane/2006/12/08/1165081148239.html]. However a Jets representative stated that Mason even being offered a contract was very unlikely, ''"I don't think they were even football drills, it was more of a visit. We just had a look at him and that is where we left it."'' The Jets coach [[Eric Mangini]] was impressed with Mason, saying ''"Willie is a guy that came to our attention, he is a pretty good rugby player, and it was just one of those opportunities we had, where we have to take a look at him. What we're doing is taking a look at him, seeing what potential there is for him. He seems to have been a pretty dynamic guy in that league for a long time. He seemed relatively feisty when I spoke to him."''

The Bulldogs never anticipated any move, saying ''"Willie has given us his guarantee he will be with us."'' [http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,20892228-23214,00.html] Following Mason's release from the Bulldogs and signing with the Roosters it seems his dream of playing in the NFL has been put on hold.

==Controversy==
Willie Mason has been associated with many controversial off-field incidents which have received media publicity due to his high-profile in the National Rugby League.

In 2002, Mason is reported to have run from a taxi to avoid paying the fare.<ref>The Age, 26 March 2004. Story:"Mason to play despite drug scandal"[http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/25/1079939784707.html]</ref><ref>Sydney Morning Herald, 26 March, 2004. Story:"Mason to line up for Dogs"[http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/03/25/1079939788164.html]</ref> In 2003, He tested positive to an illicit social drug, reported to be an [[amphetamine]], and was fined $25,000 by his club. Mason has never commented on the issue publicly. <ref>Sydney Morning Herald, 25 March, 2004. Story:"Bulldogs star Mason failed drug test"[http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/03/24/1079939719877.html]</ref> In 2004, Mason along with [[Trent Waterhouse]], [[Craig Wing]], [[Craig Gower]] and [[Mark O'Meley]], were fined for unprofessional behaviour and for leaving the team hotel after the side had returned from the night out.<ref>NRL.com; Anthony Minichiello dismissed from State of Origin, 21/05/04</ref> Mason forged another player's signature at an autograph event, and after a heavy drinking session with team mates, reportedly visited a [[brothel]].<ref>The Age, 21 May, 2004. Story:"Minichiello sacked from State of Origin side"[http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/05/21/1085120121514.html]</ref><ref>The Sydney Morning Herald, 22 May, 2004. Story:"How booze shattered the Blues"[http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/05/21/1085120125492.html]</ref><ref>NZ Herald, 18 April 2007. Story:"League: Mason strikes again - because the ARL lets him"[http://www.nzherald.co.nz/category/story.cfm?c_id=79&objectid=10434760]</ref>

At [[Sydney Airport]] in 2007, Mason verbally challenged a female reporter from radio station [[2GB]], resulting in a complaint from 2GB to the [[Bulldogs (NRL team)|Bulldogs]] club and the [[Australian Rugby League|ARL]]<ref>http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/mason-in-outburst-at-reporter/2007/04/16/1176575692319.html Sydney Morning Herald, 16 April, 2007. Story: "Mason in outburst at reporter"</ref><ref>http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,,21562854-23214,00.html Fox Sport, 16 April, 2007. Story: "Mason in trouble again".</ref> Mason later admitted to the outburst, which was captured on audio recordings, and apologised to 2GB journalist Michelle Keighran.<ref>http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/im-sorry-says-silly-willie/2007/04/16/1176575727971.html Sydney Morning Herald, 16 April, 2007. Story: "I'm sorry, says silly Willie"</ref> Mason is sponsored by [[sportswear]] manufacturer, [[Champion (sportswear)|Champion]], which almost severed its contract with the controversial footballer as a result of the incident.<ref>Fox Sports, 26 April, 2007. Story:"Willie nearly blows deal"[http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21622085-23214,00.html]</ref>

Also in 2007, Mason was involved in a nightclub altercation with the out-spoken [[Richard Williams (rugby league footballer)|Richie Williams]], who Mason claimed shows no respect to the older players in the NRL and is a cocky kid who has yet to prove himself in the NRL.<ref>Sydney Morning Herald, 1 May, 2007. Story:"Williams, Mason in nightclub row"[http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/williams-mason-in-nightclub-row/2007/04/30/1177788056594.html]</ref> Mason was voted the most hated player by a fans poll in 2007. <ref>news.com.au, 27 July, 2007. Story:"Mason most hated ... again"[http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22140592-5001023,00.html]</ref>

In February 2008 Mason and his new Roosters team-mate [[Anthony Tupou]] were charged with urinating in a public place during a visit to [[Port Macquarie]]. <ref>news.com.au, 19 February, 2008. Story:"NRL stars fined for peeing in public"[http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,23242098-2,00.html]</ref>

== References ==
{{reflist|2}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://sydneyroosters.com.au/players/player_profile.php?grade=first_grade&player_name=Willie%20Mason Sydney Roosters profile]
*[http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/sldiag/enlarged_view_27.pdf An enlarged view of road jurisdiction at the confluence of I-76, I-295 and NJ 42]
*[http://www.nrl.com/myclub/players.cfm?TeamID=2&PlayerID=463 Willie Mason NRL Player Profile]
*[http://www.alpsroads.net/roads/nj/nj_42/ New Jersey Roads: Route 42]
*[http://www.stateoforigin.com.au/SOOgame/PlayerDetails.aspx?Pid=198 State of Origin Official website Rugby League Player Stats]
*[http://www.njroads.org/ends/42/nj42.htm New Jersey Highway Ends: Route 42]
*[http://www.state.nj.us/transportation/refdata/traffic_orders/speed/rt42.shtm Speed Limits for Route 42]


{{start box}}
{{Metro Philadelphia expressways}}
{{succession box|title=[[Clive Churchill Medal]]list|before=[[Luke Priddis]] ([[Penrith Panthers]])|after=[[Scott Prince]] ([[Wests Tigers]])|years=2004}}
{{NJ Expressways}}
{{end box}}


{{Sydney Roosters squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:042}}
{{Bulldogs squad 2004 NRL premiership}}
[[Category:State highways in New Jersey]]
{{Tonga squad 2000 Rugby League World Cup}}
[[Category:Limited access New Jersey state routes]]
{{Clive Churchill Medallists}}
[[Category:Freeways in the United States|New Jersey Route 42]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mason, Willie}}
[[Category:Transportation in Camden County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Transportation in Gloucester County, New Jersey]]
[[Category:Australian rugby league players]]
[[Category:Tongan rugby league players]]
[[Category:1980 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Australians of New Zealand descent]]
[[Category:Sydney Roosters players]]
[[Category:Canterbury Bulldogs players]]
[[Category:New South Wales Rugby League State of Origin players]]
[[Category:Clive Churchill Medal winners]]
[[Category:Australians of Tongan descent]]

Revision as of 01:58, 10 October 2008

This article is about the rugby league player. For the singer-songwriter, see Willy Mason.
Willie Mason
File:Mason2.jpg
Personal information
Full nameWilliam Marshall Mason
Height195 cm (6 ft 5 in)
Weight114 kg (251 lb; 17 st 13 lb)
Playing information
PositionSecond-row, Prop
Club
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2000–2007 Bulldogs 148 36 0 0 144
2008– Sydney Roosters 20 4 0 0 16
Total 168 40 0 0 160
Representative
Years Team Pld T G FG P
2000 Tonga 3 0 0 0 0
2002– Australia 24 7 0 0 28
2003–2004 Country Origin 2 0 0 0 0
2003– New South Wales 13 1 0 0 4
Source: NRL Stats
As of 18:15, 8 September 2008 (UTC)

William Marshall Mason (born 15 April 1980 in Toronto, New South Wales) is a professional rugby league player in the Australian National Rugby League competition. He currently plays for the Sydney Roosters as well as representing New South Wales, Tonga and Australia. His position of choice is second row or front row.

Club career

Canterbury Bulldogs

Willie Mason joined the Canterbury Bulldogs at 17 years of age in 1998 and played in the junior U-18 Jersey Flegg competition. After a year with the club Mason was again a regular member of the Flegg team in 1999 but unfortunately suffered a leg fracture in the game before the Bulldogs' Flegg Grand Final win. The following year, Mason moved into the NSWRL Premier League and mid-season received an opportunity to make his debut in the National Rugby League following an injury to first-grader Darren Britt. Mason made his debut on the 30th of April during the 2000 season against the Penrith Panthers. He impressed early and became a regular member of the NRL team for the rest of the season.

In late 2000, Mason represented Tonga, the country of origin of his mother (his late father being a New Zealander), in the Rugby League World Cup played in Great Britain and Ireland.

Mason cemented a starting position at the Dogs during the 2001 season but was involved in the 2002 Bulldogs salary cap dramas. In mid-2002, the Bulldogs were found guilty of serious and systemic breaches of the salary cap. The club was stripped of all 37 competition points. The latter action was particularly harmful, as the club were poised to take the Minor Premiership and had won 17 consecutive matches (the second highest in Australian club rugby league history at the time). Mason therefore missed out on the opportunity to take a Minor-Premiership and quite realistically a shot at the 2002 Grand Final. On a positive note during the year Mason was selected to make his debut for Australia. Since then Mason has played a total of 21 Tests for his country and is the Bulldogs' most-capped Test Player.

In 2003 Mason's consistent performance was rewarded as he made his debut for New South Wales in Game 3 of the 2003 State of Origin Series. The following year the Dogs reached the 2004 Grand Final and Willie Mason experienced Grand Final glory as the Dogs triumphed 16-13 over the Sydney Roosters. Mason was further awarded the Clive Churchill Medal for 'Man-of-the-Match in a Grand Final'.

Disaster struck for Mason in 2005 as Willie's season was over before it even started. He suffered a fractured ankle during Australia's 36-24 win over USA in an international rugby league friendly match at Philadelphia's Franklin Field in December 2004. Mason was out of action for most of the season and did not play in the NRL until Round 18 where the Bulldogs were experiencing a Grand-Final hangover and already stuck in the bottom-eight of the competition.

In 2006, Willie returned to become a regular member of the Bulldogs team where he managed to play 20 club matches (1157 minutes), all three Origin games for NSW - in which he was named Man of the Match in the opening game and three Tests for Australia in the Tri-Nations series. He was a firm figure in the clubs return to finals football as the Bulldogs finished second on the ladder, the Dogs were beaten by eventual Premiers the Brisbane Broncos one game shy of the Grand Final. Many believe if it wasn't for his suspension following an incident in Round 24 against Brisbane, he could have well been named the Dally M Player of the Year. In consolation for Mason he was nominated for the Provan Summons Medal for fan's player of the year. [citation needed]

In 2007, Mason was selected for all three Origin games for NSW and represented Australia in the ANZAC Test match.

End of 2007 season

At the conclusion of the 2007 NRL season, Mason attracted media coverage. It began circulating that Mason was unhappy at the Bulldogs and on the 31 October, 2007 The Daily Telegraph reported that Willie wanted to quit the Bulldogs after an altercation with the club's CEO Malcolm Noad, which apparently came about after Mason was told he would be fined $50,000AUD because he did not attend an end of season lunch with the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs board officially denied this and a war-of-words began between the star forward and his clubs board. Things further went sour when the club rejected Masons request to fight in a professional boxing match that could have earned Mason up to $100,000AUD.[1] On the 1 November, 2007 the Daily Herald reported that Willie was to be released from the final two years of his contract after the club rejected his chance to fight in a professional boxing match worth up to $100,000AUD and because the club claimed to be fining Willie $50,000AUD for failure to attend an end of season function, something the Bulldogs denied. [2] The speculation that Mason was to be released from his contract led to a number of English & Australian clubs confirming they were in the hunt for Mason's services for 2008. Hull FC confirmed they were in talks with Willie Mason's agent Greg Keenan about a possible move to the KC Stadium. [3] Another English Super League club Harlequins RL met with Keenan while he was in the UK and Wigan Warriors owner Ian Lenagan made Mason a £1.5m, three-year offer to move to the JJB Stadium. [4] Lenagan since denied that he would be bringing Mason to Wigan, but did not distance himself from trying to sign Mason to the London based Harlequins RL. [5] Although the English Super League clubs could offer Mason a lot more dollars it appeared early on that Mason was intent on the staying in the NRL and the Sydney Roosters, St George Illawarra Dragons and Cronulla Sharks emerged as the three clubs that were the most likely in signing the star forward. [citation needed]

Sydney Roosters

After the Roosters were able to release back-rower Ashley Harrison to the Gold Coast Titans, and promising young forward Danny Williams to the Bulldogs, it freed up around $250,000 of funds to make a decent pitch for Mason and on 15 November it was confirmed that Willie Mason had signed a three-year deal with the Eastern Suburbs based club. [6]

Representative career

In 2002, Mason was selected for the Australian team against Great Britain, scoring a try on debut. He also previously represented Tonga in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup. He has played 17 international matches, including the 2003 Kangaroo Tour, and 2004-5 Tri-Nations tournaments.

Mason was first selected for New South Wales in State of Origin in 2003, and appeared for New South Wales on 11 occasions, winning the man-of-the-match award in the first game in 2006.

Mason was televised appearing to swear during the New Zealand haka, before game 1 of the 2006 Gillette Tri-nations Series. Later in the match Mason suffered a swollen black eye and suspected broken eye socket after a headknock by David Kidwell. [11] Mason has explained that his swearing was in response to the traditional Māori dance being performed by Brent Webb, an Indigenous Australian of Torres Strait Islander origin who became a New Zealand citizen. Mason later described Kidwell's hit as a "cheap shot" and promised to respond.

His actions in Great Britain's defeat of Australia earned him a ban from the game and a fine of $2,500 after striking Great Britain prop Stuart Fielden. [citation needed] An incident where Mason punched Fielden in the face and was subsequently punched and knocked to the ground by Fielden's team mate Jamie Peacock.

In August, 2008, Mason was named in the preliminary 46-man Kangaroos squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.[7][8]

He has been named in the Tonga training squad for the 2008 Rugby League World Cup.[9]

NFL Prospects

In June 2006, news speculation surfaced that Mason was considering joining the United States' National Football League (NFL), a childhood dream. He was said to be courted by several teams, including the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers. [12] In July it was confirmed the New York Giants had offered him the opportunity to trial with them after the Rugby League Tri-Nations series finishes in November. [13] However, the Canterbury club had dismissed the deal, and Mason remained with the club beyond 2006. [14]

In December 2006, Mason took part in a trial with the New York Jets, but still maintained he would fulfil his contract with the Bulldogs until the end of the 2009 season. [15] Mason said "I'm probably at the time in my career now where maybe it is time for a change. New York City is the capital of the world. I'm pretty sure I could settle in there if given the opportunity,..."[16]. However a Jets representative stated that Mason even being offered a contract was very unlikely, "I don't think they were even football drills, it was more of a visit. We just had a look at him and that is where we left it." The Jets coach Eric Mangini was impressed with Mason, saying "Willie is a guy that came to our attention, he is a pretty good rugby player, and it was just one of those opportunities we had, where we have to take a look at him. What we're doing is taking a look at him, seeing what potential there is for him. He seems to have been a pretty dynamic guy in that league for a long time. He seemed relatively feisty when I spoke to him."

The Bulldogs never anticipated any move, saying "Willie has given us his guarantee he will be with us." [17] Following Mason's release from the Bulldogs and signing with the Roosters it seems his dream of playing in the NFL has been put on hold.

Controversy

Willie Mason has been associated with many controversial off-field incidents which have received media publicity due to his high-profile in the National Rugby League.

In 2002, Mason is reported to have run from a taxi to avoid paying the fare.[10][11] In 2003, He tested positive to an illicit social drug, reported to be an amphetamine, and was fined $25,000 by his club. Mason has never commented on the issue publicly. [12] In 2004, Mason along with Trent Waterhouse, Craig Wing, Craig Gower and Mark O'Meley, were fined for unprofessional behaviour and for leaving the team hotel after the side had returned from the night out.[13] Mason forged another player's signature at an autograph event, and after a heavy drinking session with team mates, reportedly visited a brothel.[14][15][16]

At Sydney Airport in 2007, Mason verbally challenged a female reporter from radio station 2GB, resulting in a complaint from 2GB to the Bulldogs club and the ARL[17][18] Mason later admitted to the outburst, which was captured on audio recordings, and apologised to 2GB journalist Michelle Keighran.[19] Mason is sponsored by sportswear manufacturer, Champion, which almost severed its contract with the controversial footballer as a result of the incident.[20]

Also in 2007, Mason was involved in a nightclub altercation with the out-spoken Richie Williams, who Mason claimed shows no respect to the older players in the NRL and is a cocky kid who has yet to prove himself in the NRL.[21] Mason was voted the most hated player by a fans poll in 2007. [22]

In February 2008 Mason and his new Roosters team-mate Anthony Tupou were charged with urinating in a public place during a visit to Port Macquarie. [23]

References

  1. ^ "Willie Mason threatens to quit Bulldogs". The Daily Telegraph. 2007-10-31. Retrieved 2007-10-31. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ "Bulldogs, mauler Mason part ways". The Daily Herald. 2007-11-01. Retrieved 2007-10-31. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ "Aussie ace Mason holds Hull talks". BBC. 2007-11-05. Retrieved 2007-11-05.
  4. ^ "Wigan move for Aussie ace Mason". BBC. 2007-11-10. Retrieved 2007-11-12.
  5. ^ "Roosters line up big Willie for three years as Dragons, Wigan drop out of race". LeagueHQ. 2007-11-14. Retrieved 2007-11-14.
  6. ^ Liam FitzGibbon (2008-08-01). "Surprises in Kangaroos squad". "Fox Sports News (Australia)". Retrieved 2008-08-02. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ "Veteran Lockyer named in Australian squad". International Herald Tribune. 2008-08-01. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
  8. ^ "Tug-of-war over Mason". Sky Sports. 2008-08-05. Retrieved 2008-08-06.
  9. ^ The Age, 26 March 2004. Story:"Mason to play despite drug scandal"[1]
  10. ^ Sydney Morning Herald, 26 March, 2004. Story:"Mason to line up for Dogs"[2]
  11. ^ Sydney Morning Herald, 25 March, 2004. Story:"Bulldogs star Mason failed drug test"[3]
  12. ^ NRL.com; Anthony Minichiello dismissed from State of Origin, 21/05/04
  13. ^ The Age, 21 May, 2004. Story:"Minichiello sacked from State of Origin side"[4]
  14. ^ The Sydney Morning Herald, 22 May, 2004. Story:"How booze shattered the Blues"[5]
  15. ^ NZ Herald, 18 April 2007. Story:"League: Mason strikes again - because the ARL lets him"[6]
  16. ^ http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/mason-in-outburst-at-reporter/2007/04/16/1176575692319.html Sydney Morning Herald, 16 April, 2007. Story: "Mason in outburst at reporter"
  17. ^ http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,,21562854-23214,00.html Fox Sport, 16 April, 2007. Story: "Mason in trouble again".
  18. ^ http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/im-sorry-says-silly-willie/2007/04/16/1176575727971.html Sydney Morning Herald, 16 April, 2007. Story: "I'm sorry, says silly Willie"
  19. ^ Fox Sports, 26 April, 2007. Story:"Willie nearly blows deal"[7]
  20. ^ Sydney Morning Herald, 1 May, 2007. Story:"Williams, Mason in nightclub row"[8]
  21. ^ news.com.au, 27 July, 2007. Story:"Mason most hated ... again"[9]
  22. ^ news.com.au, 19 February, 2008. Story:"NRL stars fined for peeing in public"[10]

External links

Preceded by Clive Churchill Medallist
2004 		Succeeded by
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