Newcastle Knights prop Willie Mason lists Clovelly property: Title Tattle
It was 2007 when the wandering NRL player Willie Mason bought a home at Clovelly for $2.3 million. His contract at the Bulldogs and endorsement deals earnt him at least $600,000 a year on the back of winning the Clive Churchill Medal in the 2004 premiership victory.
Mason, whose mates dubbed him "the king of the eastern suburbs" during his subsequent stint with the Sydney Roosters, then headed briefly to the Cowboys in far north Queensland.
He certainly missed the lifestyle around Clovelly, during his 2011 stint in France playing rugby union for Toulon.
Title Tattle recalls longtime Channel 9/Fairfax rugby league reporter Danny Weidler writing that Mason had renovated the property and was relying on his French deal, and $1,500 weekly rental, to keep the mortgage under control.
It was then off to the Newcastle Knights where he currently flats with a teammate. Title Tattle presumes Mason is among the unpaid players at the club where Nathan Tinkler's ownership is unravelling. The Hunter Sports Group released a statement today confirming they have handed over ownership.
Title Tattle undertook a review this week of the team's property portfolio only to spot the Clovelly property of Mason (pictured above) has been listed for June 21 auction through Belle agent Daniel Gillespie.
It is set directly opposite Clovelly Beach, with ocean and coastal views to Wedding Cake Island and is a coveted oceanfront reserve setting with freshly schemed interiors.
There are two double bedrooms and two distinct living areas, including one opening to a glass-framed entertaining terrace with views. It is freestanding to the east side.
Willie Mason was born in Auckland in 1980, moving to Australia as a five-year-old growing up at Toronto. He was recently praised for visiting children in hospital, then later while shopping at Westfield Kotara, much to his credit, remembering a patient and pausing to encourage his recovery.
A $2.5 million plus price is its unconfirmed price guidance.