North Queensland chief executive Peter Parr says he's been assured by the Roosters Willie Mason will be cleared to play for them after agreeing to a one-year deal on Thursday night.
Mason though will not attend a Cowboys' fan day at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Saturday with his new teammates including captain Johnathan Thurston.
Parr said once the Roosters sign off on all the paperwork to release Mason from his $400,000 a season contract at Bondi Junction he will join the Cowboys, probably early next week.
"(Sydney Roosters chief executive) Steve Noyce told me a little while ago he didn't expect any hiccups with Willie's release," said Parr in Townsville on Friday morning.
"We expect that release will be formalised in the very near future but Steve (Noyce) has given the go ahead to start preparing to get Willie to Townsville."
The Cowboys beat Newcastle to Mason's signature with the 29 year-old Origin and Test forward turning down more money and a longer deal from the Knights believing playing alongside Thurston would enhance his chances of winning another premiership.
Thurston is understood to be thrilled to have Mason in his pack but the players, including another of his former Bulldog teammates, Willie Tonga, have refrained from commenting until he is cleared by the Roosters.
"He gives us a pretty imposing pack alongside the likes of Carl Webb, Luke O'Donnell, Matt Scott, Antonio Kafusi and Manase Manuokafoa, we're getting a good balance with Steve Southern and a bloke like Scott Bolton who had particularly good season," Parr said.
"We also got two of the best young forwards coming through in James Tanu and Steve Rapira and on paper it's looking very strong."
Parr said he'd spoken to Mason during negotiations about what was expected of him by the club and added any clauses about his behaviour in his contract would remain confidential.
"Those discussions have been about the behaviour that is expected of him by the club, from the sponsors and importantly the fans.
"The board is 100 per cent behind Willie coming here and we're looking forward to it."
"As for what's in his contract, that's been Willie and the club."