Hull KR boss Justin Morgan insisted the ongoing saga over Willie Mason's future had no effect on his side after they lost to city rivals Hull 36-18 on Friday.

Mason's stay in Super League looks set to be a short one with speculation increasing that a cross-code move to big spending French outfit Toulon is on the cards for the colourful player.

The former Canterbury Bulldogs star has been de-registered in favour of fit-again half-back Michael Dobson but Morgan, the former Parramatta prop, refused to make the controversy an excuse for the defeat.

Mason appears to have played for Rovers for the last time just 43 days since his high-profile arrival but Morgan said: "It's been a hectic week off the pitch but I honestly don't think it had an impact on us too much.

"The boys came into the game with a fantastic attitude and we had a chance to win the game with the team we put on the pitch.

"A lot of teams would have rolled over earlier than us after what has happened in the build up to the game. Our effort and spirit was great and we've got to build on that.

"I don't think we got a call all day, the bounce of the ball didn't go our way and that made it backs to the wall but I'm immensely proud of my players."

Rovers were led to believe Mason was entitled to a Tongan passport - meaning he would not have to go on their already full overseas quota - and signed him on that proviso.

The passport had not arrived by the time Mason did, so he took the place of the injured Dobson on the quota, only to be replaced by the scrum-half when he regained fitness.

A change in the Tongan government has caused the delay, but officials are planning to speak to Mason and his agent anyway after he was spotted in France last week meeting the owner the Toulon club.

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