Willie Mason to play on in NRL in 2016

Willie Mason is set to extend his NRL career into a 17th year in 2016 and past the magical 300-game mark.

Manly forward Mason revealed on Thursday he’d received interest from a number of club about playing on with them next year.

The former Kangaroos forward said he was unlikely to make a decision until the end of the season, but was keen to continue a first grade NRL career that began in 2000.

“I don’t think this is going to be my last season, I enjoy football too much, I will definitely stay for another year” Mason, 35, said.

“I’ve been playing well and the body is in good shape and mentally I am still there and I’m still competing at such a high level.

“I don’t think because of an age or how many games you play, you say that’s it for me.

“If I didn’t want to get out of bed (to play footy), If I couldn’t compete at a higher level, if I couldn’t train, if I had lost motivation..I would (retire).

“But that isn’t the case.”

Mason has played 281 NRL games with Canterbury, Sydney Roosters, North Queensland, Newcastle and Manly.

The Sea Eagles prop said he would not repeat his ill-fated Super League experiment of 2011 which lasted just six games with Hull KR, and would likely play on with a Sydney club next season.

“There are a few nibbles,” he said.

“I think front-rowers are still a priority in the game. There are not that many of them and veteran senior players as well, so I tick all those boxes.

“There are a couple of Sydney clubs (interested), obviously I am trying to talk with Manly, I will see what happens.”

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