Who Is Willie Mason? Age, Biography and Wiki
Willie Mason was born on April 15, 1980, making him 45 years old as of 2025. Born in Sydney, Australia, Mason is a well-known former rugby league footballer who has made a significant impact in the sport. His career spanned over a decade, during which he played for several Australian teams including the Canterbury Bulldogs and the Newcastle Knights, as well as representing New South Wales and Australia in international competitions. With his impressive skills on the field, Mason is remembered as one of the greats in rugby league history.
| Occupation | Footballer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 15, 1980 |
| Age | 45 Years |
| Birth Place | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | New Zealand |
Popularity
Willie Mason's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing tall at 192 cm (6 feet 4 inches), Mason exemplifies the physical stature necessary for success in rugby league. Weighing approximately 109 kg (240 lbs), he possessed the agility and strength that set him apart from his peers. His athletic build was complemented by his dedication to fitness, allowing him to perform at the highest level during his playing career.
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.
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 finished in November. However, the Canterbury club objected to the deal, and Mason remained with the club beyond 2006.
In 2006, Willie returned to become a regular member of the Bulldogs team where he managed to play 20 club matches, 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 2006 Tri-Nations series.
He was a firm figure in the clubs return to finals football as the Bulldogs finished second on the ladder, Canterbury-Bankstown were beaten by eventual Premiers the Brisbane Broncos one game shy of the Grand Final. 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 from a shoulder charge by David Kidwell. Mason 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 was banned for one game and fined $5,000 following an altercation with Stuart Fielden during Great Britain's victory over Australia in November 2006. In December 2006 Mason took part in a trial with the New York Jets, but still maintained he would fulfil his contract with the Canterbury club until the end of the 2009 season.
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..." 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."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Willie Mason is reportedly single, focusing on his career and personal growth. Previously, he has been linked to several high-profile relationships but has maintained a level of privacy regarding his personal life. Mason has a son, indicating that he values family and often shares snippets of his fatherhood journey on social media. His past relationships include public figures, which garnered attention in the media but seem to have since settled into a more private existence.
In Round 13 of the 2000 NRL season he made his NRL debut for Canterbury-Bankstown against the Penrith Panthers after first-grader Darren Britt suffered an injury. He became a regular first-grader for the rest of the season. After the 2000 season, Mason made his international debut for Tonga, his mother's country of origin, in the 2000 Rugby League World Cup played in Great Britain and Ireland.
Net Worth and Salary
By 2025, Willie Mason's net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. His wealth primarily arises from his successful rugby league career, endorsements, and business ventures. While his playing days have concluded, he continues to earn through various appearances and media engagements, keeping him financially secure. His involvement in rugby league as a commentator and coach also contributes substantially to his income stream.
Career, Business and Investments
Willie Mason enjoyed a storied career in rugby league, making a name for himself both in Australia and overseas. He played for notable clubs and became an integral part of the New South Wales State of Origin team. After retiring from professional play, Mason ventured into business, primarily focusing on sports media and commentary, along with investments in fitness-related enterprises.
Mason has also explored opportunities in entertainment, participating in reality TV shows, which has helped him maintain a public presence while capitalizing on his fame. His ability to transition from player to media personality has solidified his status within the Australian sporting and entertainment community.
Mason was selected to play for the Australian national team at second-row forward the 2007 ANZAC Test match victory against New Zealand.
A few weeks later he 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. Mason was voted the most hated player by a fans poll in 2007.
At Sydney Airport in 2007, Mason verbally challenged a female reporter from radio station 2GB, resulting in a complaint from 2GB to the Canterbury-Bankstown club and the ARL Mason later admitted to the outburst, which was captured on audio recordings, and apologised to 2GB journalist Michelle Keighran.
Mason is sponsored by sportswear manufacturer, Champion, which almost severed its contract with the controversial footballer as a result of the incident. In 2007, Mason was selected for all three Origin games for NSW and represented Australia in the ANZAC Test match.
At the conclusion of the 2007 NRL season, the media began reporting that Mason was unhappy at the Canterbury club. On 31 October 2007 The Daily Telegraph reported that Mason wanted to leave the Bulldogs after an altercation with the club's CEO, Malcolm Noad.
A day later it was reported that Mason 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 A$100,000 and because the club claimed to be fining Mason $50,000 for failure to attend an end of season function, although this was denied by Canterbury-Bankstown.
Speculation that Mason was to be released from his contract led to a number of English and Australian clubs confirming they were seeking to sign Mason to a contract for the 2008 season.
After the Roosters were able to release back-rower Ashley Harrison to the Gold Coast Titans and considered releasing other players, the club was able to make an offer for Mason. On 15 November 2007 it was confirmed that Mason had signed a three-year deal with the Sydney Roosters.
Social Network
Willie Mason maintains an active presence on social media, where he engages with fans and shares insights into his daily life, fitness regimen, and professional endeavors. On platforms like Instagram and Twitter, he portrays a lifestyle focused on health and sports, frequently interacting with his followers. His social media accounts serve as an integral component of his branding, connecting him with a younger audience while leveraging his fame for various collaborations.
William Marshall Mason (born 15 April 1980), also nicknamed "Big Willie", is a former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 2000s and 2010s.
An Australia and Tonga international and New South Wales State of Origin representative forward, he played in the National Rugby League for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs (with whom he won the 2004 Grand Final and Clive Churchill Medal), the Sydney Roosters, the North Queensland Cowboys, the Newcastle Knights and the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles.
Mason also played in the Super League for English club Hull Kingston Rovers and French club, the Catalans Dragons. He also played rugby union in the Top 14 for French club RC Toulonnais. During his career Mason was involved in a number of controversial off-field incidents which have received media publicity due to his high profile in the NRL.
Education
Although specific details about Willie Mason's formal education are limited, it is known that he developed his rugby skills early on, playing in various local leagues. His dedication to the sport led him to focus on rugby league full-time, which he pursued with great passion. There is an emphasis on personal growth and continuing education, especially as he transitions into other areas, including business and commentary.
