Willie Mason spray divides NRL world as ugly dramas at Bulldogs intensify
The Canterbury great unloaded on his own club in an expletive-laden rant that has divided opinion.
Some NRL fans have questioned whether Willie Mason is the right person to be dishing out lessons on club culture and discipline as Canterbury's season from hell draws to an ugly end. Mason, a member of the current Canterbury coaching staff, came out swinging this week after reports a Dogs player had walked on the club after being subjected to a humiliating wrestling session against teammates as punishment for being late to training.
It came on the back of a group of players allegedly complaining about coach Cameron Ciraldo's unyielding training demands. Mason, who played 148 games for the club, told the Levels podcast: "It's f**king soft as s**t. If you can't deal with it, you’re not going to be f**king there. Because there’s high standards at the club, regardless of what’s happening right now with where we’re coming on the ladder.
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"There’s no excuses and you’ll get weeded out of the club and that’s what Ciro wants to do. This is a way of fishing them out. All this s**t’s getting out there, if you can’t handle the way the Bulldogs play and train, this is not your f**king club. And they’ll find out."
NRL world divided over Willie Mason's comments
Mason was the most outspoken player of his era, frequently challenging authority and clashing with officialdom after speaking his mind on a range of issues. He had a memorable fallout with Canterbury coach Steve Folkes in 2007, which led to a messy departure to cross-town rivals the Roosters.
Folkes said at the time the Dogs would be better off without Mason, adding: "Willie wasn't prepared to fall in line and do some of the things he was requested to do." While many have applauded Mason's hard-arse attitude to the current drama at Belmore, others have suggested it's another example of a toxic workplace.
WARNING: Following video contains NSFW language:
Willie Mason on #NRL Bulldogs training schedule article. @mase21 #LevelsNetwork
Full Episode: https://t.co/bkn08nuvqt pic.twitter.com/Hdl71TBqYH— LEVELS NETWORK (@levelsnetwork) August 29, 2023
One fan wrote: "I’d be ashamed for my club and fuming if had a son there if a club employee involved in development like Willie Mason came out publicly tearing down a player. Ex-players can’t preach mental health if spitting rubbish under guise of not working hard."
Another wrote: "Comments by Willie Mason indicate the level of professionalism @NRL_Bulldogs. No wonder the club is in all sorts."
Willie Mason should lose his position at the Bulldogs whatever that was.
It is untenable now.— The Oracle (@BigOtrivia) September 1, 2023
comments by Willie mason Indicate the level of professionalism @NRL_Bulldogs no wonder the club is in all sorts. There are two ways of saying things. it appears Willie doesn't have a level of vocabulary to articulate it . that attitude.would turn most off the club #NRL
— Bernie Coen (@berniecoen) September 1, 2023
I could be wrong but isn’t Big Willie classed as a welfare officer for the players at The Dogs? I mean I know he’s just another coach but I believe that’s his actual title so the NRL pay his salary? Not a very “welfarey” thing to say.
— Paul (@JustPaul444) August 30, 2023
As simple as it gets, good on you wille, and thanks for calling it out
— Max Echo (@Max_Echo_2_Dogs) August 30, 2023
'onya Willie! You are deadset right!
— GazDog (@TheGazDog) August 30, 2023
Other suggested Ciraldo's methods are exactly what the Dogs need and praised Mason for backing the "no short cuts". Canterbury's nightmare 2023 campaign ends on Sunday with a trip to the Gold Coast to meet the Titans.
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