HUDDERSFIELD GIANTS are playing it cool over links with Australian Test star Willie Mason.

The 30-year-old North Queensland forward, who has made 24 appearances in the green and gold, says he has been approached by five Super League clubs to join them for next season – and added that the Giants and Hull KR were his preferred options.

Mason has said he is looking to make a decision within the next month, while adding that talks had still to be entered into with each club.

However, Giants managing director Richard Thewlis was not about to confirm or deny that Mason, whose reputation as a big impact forward was made at Canterbury Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters, was on the Giants wish-list.

“I have stated on many an occasions that we do not comment on speculation,” said Thewlis.

“The reality is that we are a very attractive club for overseas players who have title-winning ambition to consider, and every single manager and agent worth their salt who has a player that fancies a UK stint contacts us – that is their job.

“We do not comment on individuals or conduct our business in the media.

“I am aware of course of the media reports (regarding Mason) and no doubt there will be plenty more names over the coming days and weeks linking themselves with us.

“Some will have merit and some will not – that’s often how agents use the media to try and gain the best deals for their clients.”

However, Mason seemed fairly focused in where he sees his future. “I have nothing left to achieve in Australia and I want to give the Super League a go,” Mason has reportedly said.

“You could say it’s now a two-horse race between Hull KR and Huddersfield.

“Bradford, Salford and Catalans were also mentioned to me, but I’d say it’s between those two.

“I don’t want to go to a side that are going to lose by 30 or 40 points on a regular basis. I want to go to a well-established club that has a fair crack of winning the title.

“There has also been interest from some NRL teams, but I am keen to go to England.

“The standard of rugby in England is getting better year by year and I feel now is the perfect time to go.

“At this stage, my manager has only held initial talks with the clubs, but I hope to make my mind up within the next month.”

Another name linked with the Giants is that of Harlequins winger Will Sharp, who featured in the Londoners’ 40-4 drubbing at the Galpharm Stadium last weekend, with reports suggesting the Nigerian-born player is keen to play in the north after making his way to the Stoop via a spell at South London Storm, after starting out with Streatham rugby union club.

Former Giants favourite Stanley Gene is heading for a Rugby Football League tribunal on September 2, having been sacked by Halifax.