YORK City Knights are hoping superstar Willie Mason will still be at Hull KR when the Robins come to town next month – as speculation mounts over the Aussie’s future.

The notorious Mason, who famously decked Stuart Fielden in a tempestuous Ashes clash in 2006, became a big-name recruit for the Super League club in the winter, and is a huge draw for supporters of all clubs.

The Knights host Rovers in the Challenge Cup fourth round at Huntington Stadium on May 8, and it was hoped Mason’s appearance would help to swell the crowd.

However, speculation has grown about a potential switch to French rugby union club Toulon for the forward who recently turned 31.

There are also red-tape issues regarding his application for a Tongan passport, which, in short, means he currently counts on the club’s overseas quota so fellow Aussie Michael Dobson is not allowed to play.

Rovers yesterday released a statement which said progress was being made over the passport, and that they were “unaware of any approach” for the player. It added he remained “under contract and available for selection”, and the player was named in the 19-man squad for today’s derby against Hull.

A twitter account attributed to Mason himself also had the player saying rumours of a switch were “not true”.

However, press reports in France and Australia suggest a move is afoot.

Knights boss Ian Wilson said: “We hope Hull KR have their strongest side available and that names like Willie Mason, and other internationals, are all featuring.

“We want to make it a good show for the people of York and it would be great those kinds of players – including Mason – turning out at Huntington Stadium.”