Newcastle Knights forward Willie Mason said he was disappointed and shocked when told by the club he was not wanted next year.

The Toronto junior joined the club in 2012 and says he has loved playing for the Knights – the team he looked up to as a child.

Sunday’s clash with Dragons at Hunter Stadium will be his last game in the red and blue.

The 34-year-old had hoped to finish his career with the Knights.

“It is disappointing to be honest, obviously thinking that I was going to finish my career here and I never really wanted to play for anyone else so it was a bit of a shock to me and probably to all the fans as well that I didn’t get my contract renewed,” he said.

“But that’s footy and I just reflect on the three years that I’ve had here it’s been great.

“I’ve met some great people and the fans are awesome.

“I’ve always been a Newcastle boy at heart.”

Mason believes he has still got two years of football left in him and is now weighing up offers from other clubs.

He said he was told by new head coach Rick Stone the club was moving in a new direction next year.

Mason said he was given a detailed reason why he was not wanted.

“You’ll have to ask the staff, people who run the joint,” he said.

“It wasn’t my decision, obviously I think my body’s in good nick and playing good enough footy to play another two years.

“So the Willie Mason saga continues.

“I’ve got a fair idea (about where I will go) but I can’t announce it all so definitely going to play next year I just don’t know where.”