A fired-up Willie Mason says the clubs that brushed him will live to regret it, declaring he's ready to recapture the form that saw him considered one of the most damaging forwards in the game.
At his controversial best a day into his new life as a North Queensland Cowboy, Mason took a shot at those clubs who passed up the opportunity to sign him, labelling the decision makers 'fat businessmen'.
The 29-year-old finalised a one-year deal with the Cowboys late last week, ending his stint in NRL limbo after the Roosters banned him from pre-season training and gave him permission to negotiate with rival clubs.
The former Test forward was linked with several teams in recent months as coaches lined up to secure his services, only to be blocked by cautious club bosses.
"It was a bit disappointing when you've got board members who don't know a thing about football making decisions on your career," Mason told reporters.
"When you look at it you've got the coach and most senior players coming out saying 'yeah we want him at our club', but then it gets to a board meeting who you've just got fat businessmen who just make a decision on your career."
"So you've got ex-footballers who might say yes and then you've got these other dudes who know nothing about football trying to make a decision on your career, which was frustrating in the end."
"But it wasn't taking a toll on my pride or anything like that - it was just starting to make me angry a little bit."
Continuing to entertain at his first press conference as a Cowboy, Mason told reporters he had sworn off alcohol to ensure he is in peak condition for the season ahead.
"I've been off the drink since New Year's - five weeks and three days but who's counting?" he laughed.
"Football is the No.1 thing on my mind this year."
Mason insisted his days as a rep footballer weren't over, adding: "If I'm playing 100 percent to my best ability there's no reason I shouldn't be in the rep sides."
Cowboys coach Neil Henry is set to use Mason as a wide-running back-rower, much like he was used during his days with the Bulldogs.
His initiation may come as soon as next week, with Mason keen to play in the trial against the Warriors in Cairns.
The veteran forward recognises North Queensland stands as his last chance to resurrect a career that has been in freefall for the past two years.
He declared: "I know what I've got to do to repay the Cowboys - just play good football, that's what they brought me up here for."