NRL: Mason denies Roosters offer to quit

Roosters forward Willie Mason has been linked to rugby union clubs in Japan and Europe. Photo / Getty Images

SYDNEY - Controversial Sydney Roosters forward Willie Mason has denied he was offered a payout to quit the embattled NRL club.

Speculation has been rife the former test star is on the outer at the Roosters, who sacked coach Brad Fittler this season and replaced him with disciplinarian Brian Smith from next year following a spate of off-field dramas and a wooden spoon season.

Reports have suggested Mason was offered A$100,000 ($123,000) to walk from the final year of his contract and manager Greg Keenan has been shopping him to rugby union clubs in Japan and Europe.

"I have not been offered a payout to leave the Roosters," Mason told the Nine Network in a statement.

"I have a contract with the Roosters and I will be playing in the NRL next season."

Nine's report said Mason was expected to head to Japan in the coming weeks to meet rugby clubs including Kobe and Sanyo.

It said there was also interest in Mason from European rugby clubs.

Meanwhile, St George Illawarra have confirmed Papua New Guinea coach Adrian Lam will be the Dragons' under-20s mentor in 2010.

Lam joins the Dragons from the Roosters, where the former PNG, Queensland, Roosters and Wigan halfback was an assistant to former boss Fittler for the past two seasons.

He replaces Steve Price, who will now be head coach Wayne Bennett's assistant with the Dragons' NRL side.

Fiji coach Terry Gilogley will be in charge of Dragons feeder side Shellharbour City.

- AAP