Hull's hopes of signing Willie Mason have ended after the forward agreed a three-year deal with the Sydney Roosters.
Ex-Bulldog has no issues with Canterbury despite acrimonious split
Sydney Roosters have won the race to sign Willie Mason, capturing the Australia international on a three-year deal.
The forward had not been short of offers since it was announced that he was to be released by the Canterbury Bulldogs for disciplinary reasons.
As well as Sydney, NRL rivals St George Illawarra and Cronulla both sounded out the 27-year-old.
Hull also attempted to bring the player to the engage Super League, offering him a short-term contract for the 2008 campaign.
However, the giant forward has opted to join rookie coach Brad Fittler and former team-mates Braith Anasta, Nate Myles and Mark O'Meley at Sydney.
Philosophical
Despite an acrimonious departure from the Bulldogs, where he had played for a decade, Mason remained philosophical at his Roosters unveiling.
"Things happen for a reason," he said at the press conference.
"I had 10 of the best years of my life at the Bulldogs, made best friends - half of them are (now) at the Roosters.
"I've won competitions, I've played for Australia, NSW, I've got nothing (but) positives to say about the place.
"But it's obviously turned out like this and not in the best circumstances but we all move on and that's what happens in life it's a business now and things happen."
Mason played 148 games in the top grade for the Bulldogs and has also made 10 appearances for New South Wales in State of Origin action.
