So whose winning - us or Willie?

[Guest]

Apparantly Politis wants him out because he's a bad influence on the younger players. Once he makes up his mind that's it.

I've been hearing Manly a lot lately. Even on the news this morning.

He must have done more than just be a "bad influence"

Manly have said not interested

[Guest]

There is no stalemate at all.

We don't want him.

We will pay him to sit on the sidelines.

We will pay most of his contract to play elsewhere.

It says a lot that no club is willing to pick him up for the same they would have to pay a rookie.

the situation you've just described is called a stalemate

[Guest]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...018866,00.html

Cowboys the only team left chasing Sydney Roosters' Willie Mason
By staff writers
January 27, 2010 North Queensland Cowboys are shaping as Willie Mason's last shot at remaining in the NRL after Manly pulled out of the race to sign the unwanted Sydney Roosters forward.

The 29-year-old has attracted interest from Melbourne Storm, Cronulla, the Warriors and Wests Tigers since he was given permission to look elsewhere last October.

But it appears Mason's off-field reputation is preventing him from securing a new home, with the Sea Eagles the lastest club to turn their back on the former Test forward.

Manly have confirmed they won't pursue Mason, inisisting they are "content" with their current squad ahead of the 2010 NRL season.

Manly chief executive Graham Lowe said in a statement: "The management of the Manly Sea Eagles today decided not to make an offer to Willie Mason for the upcoming 2010 Telstra Premiership.

"We are content with the squad we have and are confident of a successful season.

"The club is eager to move on from the speculation of Mason joining the club and is continuing to work hard in preparation for the season ahead."

Manly's decision now leaves North Queensland Cowboys as the only NRL club known to be interested in Mason, after foxsports.com.au revealed the Cowboys had been in contact with the 2004 Clive Churchill medal winner.

However The Daily Telegraph reported that the real reason the Sea Eagles pulled out of the chase for Mason was due to fans and sponsors voicing hostility to a proposed move to Brookvale on Wednesday morning.The report suggested that the backlash caused by Mason's negative off-field image forced the club's hand, made even more important by the Sea Eagles' current search for a sleeve sponsor.

If only we had done the same a few years back

[Guest]

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...018866,00.html

Cowboys the only team left chasing Sydney Roosters' Willie Mason
By staff writers
January 27, 2010 North Queensland Cowboys are shaping as Willie Mason's last shot at remaining in the NRL after Manly pulled out of the race to sign the unwanted Sydney Roosters forward.

The 29-year-old has attracted interest from Melbourne Storm, Cronulla, the Warriors and Wests Tigers since he was given permission to look elsewhere last October.

But it appears Mason's off-field reputation is preventing him from securing a new home, with the Sea Eagles the lastest club to turn their back on the former Test forward.

Manly have confirmed they won't pursue Mason, inisisting they are "content" with their current squad ahead of the 2010 NRL season.

Manly chief executive Graham Lowe said in a statement: "The management of the Manly Sea Eagles today decided not to make an offer to Willie Mason for the upcoming 2010 Telstra Premiership.

"We are content with the squad we have and are confident of a successful season.

"The club is eager to move on from the speculation of Mason joining the club and is continuing to work hard in preparation for the season ahead."

Manly's decision now leaves North Queensland Cowboys as the only NRL club known to be interested in Mason, after foxsports.com.au revealed the Cowboys had been in contact with the 2004 Clive Churchill medal winner.

However The Daily Telegraph reported that the real reason the Sea Eagles pulled out of the chase for Mason was due to fans and sponsors voicing hostility to a proposed move to Brookvale on Wednesday morning.[/B][B]The report suggested that the backlash caused by Mason's negative off-field image forced the club's hand, made even more important by the Sea Eagles' current search for a sleeve sponsor.[

If only we had done the same a few years back

But with an impulse buying shopaholic like Politis holding the purse strings, considered, good value player purchases have been as rare as good games played by Mason for the Roosters

[Guest]

He must have done more than just be a "bad influence"

I'm sure he did but

we're talking about a giant media enhanced character here.

Willie was always a character, he lived like a comicbook character.

No ones interested in him any more.

I'm wondering where his ego goes from here.

Not that I give a shit. Just wondering.

[trewhella]

This situation says a lot about the character of Mason.

But,
what is even more evident to me is the statement that Brian Smith is making.
He obviously only wants to fight a battle that he can win.
Clearly, Mason is defending the Falklands.

Personally,
If we are losing games dont be surprised to see Mason back in firsts.
All coaches panic when they are losing.

[Guest]

The other interesting thing in all of this is the silence by mason.

Normally the guy is a serial loudmouth, always good for a quote to a journo.

The silence on his side is deafening.

Is there something both parties dont want out?

[Chookies74]

Bouris was on the Grill Team this morning and was basically 'hooting and hollering' that Willie might be gone.

So it's not only Politis that wants him gorne

[Cockadoodledoo]

This situation says a lot about the character of Mason.

But,
what is even more evident to me is the statement that Brian Smith is making.
He obviously only wants to fight a battle that he can win.
Clearly, Mason is defending the Falklands.

Personally,
If we are losing games dont be surprised to see Mason back in firsts.
All coaches panic when they are losing.

It was Uncle Nick not Smith who made the call.

[Guest]

Apparantly Smith's not involved in the Willie saga.

[Guest]

for this season of course mason is winning, 400k to sit on your arse and do nothing, whilst you have another 12 months to negotiate a new deal elsewhere.

In the long term we will win because by all these clubs knocking him back his reoutation as a footballer will diminish and his value will be cut drastically.

Im a mason fan, but ill support the club in their decision, if it takes us forward and away from all the recent bullshit how can i argue

[Andrew Walker]

for this season of course mason is winning, 400k to sit on your arse and do nothing, whilst you have another 12 months to negotiate a new deal elsewhere.

In the long term we will win because by all these clubs knocking him back his reoutation as a footballer will diminish and his value will be cut drastically.

Im a mason fan, but ill support the club in their decision, if it takes us forward and away from all the recent bullshit how can i argue

Good post I totally agree. I do think that clubs are interested in him at a bargain price. I wonder if the club has a price on him ? surely someone has offered 50 or 60 for him with us paying out the rest of his contract. Thats really not worth our while though , we would want half of his contract not 15 percent or so. Also at this stage , who or what are we going to get this season for the little money we get for Mason ? Just wait till next year and indentify the right player/players ? to buy with this money.

[Jan]

for this season of course mason is winning, 400k to sit on your arse and do nothing, whilst you have another 12 months to negotiate a new deal elsewhere.

In the long term we will win because by all these clubs knocking him back his reputation as a footballer will diminish and his value will be cut drastically.

Just my opinion keep him, leave him wallowing in what might have been &
if only, I said months ago he was an albatross around our necks

If necessary use him to our benefit, & on our terms only as a last resort,
then as soon as his contract is up cut the cord.

His ego will have taken a huge battering just knowing the fact that he is not
wanted anywhere at any price. He is trouble with a capital T, & other teams
don't want or are not prepared to risk their reputations or chances of a good
season by taking on a known stirrer & trouble maker

Come season 2011 he will have sat out virtually a season & a half his value
then will be next to nothing compared to what he thinks he's worth.

Other clubs have made players sit out a season if they crossed the line,
we have drawn the line now so carry it out to the end.

[stephenj]

did he ever pay up for those fitzy auction items?

[Jan]

did he ever pay up for those fitzy auction items?

Now that just could be the reason there is nothing worse than a welcher
in any way shape or form & they are loathed may explain the distain for
him