Willie Mason in multimillion-dollar NSW Supreme Court fight
Rugby league legend and Canterbury grand final hero Willie Mason has commenced Supreme Court action against two men who specialise in property and finance.
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Rugby league legend Willie Mason has launched a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against two men who specialise in property development and finance.
The 40-year-old former premiership winner, who made his name as an unstoppable forward for the Canterbury Bulldogs, commenced action in the NSW Supreme Court against Paul and John Hanna last month.
According to Mason’s summons that was filed with the court, he is asking the court to force Paul Hanna to pay him up to $985,838 plus 20 per cent interest payable from June 4.
The 2004 Clive Churchill medallist is also asking the court to order John Hanna to pay him $771,186 plus interest since June 4 calculated at 15 per cent per annum.
The exact nature of the dispute is yet to be revealed as the case is not due to be heard until July 17.
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Mason did not return calls or text messages requesting comment on the case this week.
Attempts to reach Paul and John Hanna were also unsuccessful.
According to business records, the Hannas have acted as directors of a long list of companies relating to property development and finance. However, it is not known if this is the basis of the case.
Mason has hired lawyer Lewis Seelenmeyer from commercial firm K&L Gates.
According to Mr Seelenmeyer’s profile on the firm’s website, he specialises in “contentious banking and financial services disputes”.
Mr Seelenmeyer also declined to comment when contacted.
Mason’s court documents describe the action as a “guarantee” claim, indicating the ex-State of Origin and Kangaroos star may have lent or supplied money to the Hannas.
Mason burst onto the rugby league scene in 2000, becoming one of the biggest names in the game and making 13 appearances for the NSW Blues and 24 for the Kangaroos.
He led a star-studded Bulldogs team, which featured Braith Anasta and Brent Sherwin, to the 2004 premiership over Brad Fittler and the Sydney Roosters, where he won the Clive Churchill medal for the best player in the grand final. Mason played seven seasons with the Bulldogs before stints with the Roosters, North Queensland Cowboys, Newcastle Knights and Manly Sea Eagles.