Storm will make Willie Mason a better man, Brett Finch vows
MELBOURNE five-eighth Brett Finch has told his troubled best mate Willie Mason that playing at the Storm can make him a better person as well as a better player.
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MELBOURNE five-eighth Brett Finch has told his troubled best mate Willie Mason that playing at the Storm can make him a better person as well as a better player.
Finch joined Melbourne mid-season this year from Parramatta, who his new side beat in the grand final to claim his first NRL premiership.
Former Test representative Mason has been granted leave from Roosters pre-season training until January and is seeking a new club.
The 29-year-old has had disciplinary issues in the past and struggled for form last season.
Mason is tipped to play rugby in Japan, however he has also been linked to Melbourne despite chief executive Brian Waldron claiming they have no room to move in the salary cap.
Finch today said that Mason, who he played with as a Newcastle junior, could find redemption at the Storm.
"He's got a couple of other options there ... but I mentioned what it (moving to Melbourne) has done for me," Finch said.
"Not only does the club make you a better player, it makes you a better person as well.
"I've said it's a great club and if Japan doesn't come through or you're looking at staying in the NRL there's no better place than the Storm.
"Being a close mate he knows what I went through last year and how happy I am to be part of club."
Meanwhile, new recruit Todd Lowrie had his first training session with the club after his switch from Parramatta.
With representative lock Dallas Johnson surprisingly quitting to join French Super League club Catalans, a starting position has opened up for the 26-year-old.
"I don't think anyone was aware that Dallas was leaving and that wasn't the reason I came," he said.
"I was hoping to back myself and get a start somewhere but with Dallas leaving it does mean there's one less bloke there, but I certainly don't think I just deserve the spot, there's a lot of good young players here."