North Queensland won't pressure Mason

North Queensland will not pressure Willie Mason into choosing between them and NRL rivals Newcastle but believe the wayward Roosters discard would benefit greatly from playing for the Cowboys in 2010.

It's understood both his former Bulldogs' teammates Johnathan Thurston and Willie Tonga have encouraged him to make the move north despite the appeal of heading home to Newcastle where his mother Sonya and brother Rodney, who plays for the Knights Under-20 side live.

Both clubs have tabled offers to the 29 year-old former representative forward who is tipped to make a decision in the next 48 hours.

Sportingbet Australia reported on Thursday North Queensland's odds had shortened dramatically from $1.90 to $1.50 following some big bets on Mason moving to Townsville.

Parr said the club would not hassle Mason for an answer but added coach Neil Henry had made it very clear they needed him to to be training before the season kicks off next month.

"We made Willie a one off offer and he said he'd get back to us when he made a decision," Parr told AAP.

"We're not expecting him here tomorrow but it was made very clear to him what we require from him.

"I've signed a lot of players over the years and I've learned they don't particularly like being hassled so you present your case and let them make up their mind."

Newcastle are hoping Mason will want to come home but the Cowboys are banking on the opportunity to play with Thurston and Matty Bowen to be the ace up their sleeve.

"I think we'd be very good for him," said Parr.

"We'd have a pretty good pack (Carl) Webb, (Luke) O'Donnell, (Matt) Scott, (Aaron) Payne, (Antonio) Kafusi, (Manase) Manuokafoa, (Scott) Southern with Thurston and Bowen running off the back them, it's not bad."

Parr said a fit and focused and happy Mason would be a bonus to any footy team.

"I don't know about Newcastle but I've got no doubt we can provide him with a good footy team, a good environment and I think we can provide him with a lifestyle and a good community which he'll enjoy."

Mason's manager Damien McGregor-Lowndes, said the Test forward would announce where he would play when the deal was done.

He offered a "no comment" on Thursday when asked if both clubs had tabled offers to the former NSW and Test forward.

Mason is tipped to make a decision by the end of the week.

"There's no comment to be made. Once it's done, Willie will make a comment then," said McGregor-Lowndes.

- AAP