Folkes hits back at Willie Mason
Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes has hit back at departed forward Willie Mason, suggesting the players were behind management’s decision to release the giant forward, while hinting the dramas of the last fortnight were simply orchestrated so Mason could end up at the Bondi Junction club.
“I’ve been here for 30 years and I think I’ve been known to do what’s best for the Bulldogs, and this is certainly what’s best for the Bulldogs,” Folkes said after Bulldogs training at Belmore, which was noticeably subdued in the absence of Mason.
“I guess if I was a cynic I might say this whole thing was engineered so he could end up at the Roosters.
“It blew up very quickly as a result of us wishing to sit down with Willie and his management and resolve a few issues, in regards to wearing the right apparel, and fulfilling obligations to sponsors. It’s disappointing it was played out in the media as it was. It certainly wasn’t of our making that that happened. We would have much preferred to try and resolve the issues behind closed doors, as we believed they were fairly personal.”
Folkes also suggested Mason was becoming a divisive force at Belmore, although he was adamant that the players were behind the move to oust the 21-test veteran.
“This has been a joint decision. It’s been made out like it’s been solely a management decision but I can assure you the players had some input.
“We’ll move on. We’ll be a much tighter unit.”
The Bulldogs coach made it clear that Mason had been a repeat offender in regards to disenfranchising sponsors and management, with his no-show at the recent grand final lunch just a symptom of his misdemeanours.
“Players have obligations and commitments that they need to live up to, and they don’t stop when you cross the sideline. Willie wasn’t prepared to fall into line with some of the things he was requested to do. So we feel we’re sending a strong message to the other guys in the squad and the sponsors.”
The relationship between Mason and Folkes is said to have soured in recent times, something Folkes hinted at today.
“He had some really good mates here, and I’d like to consider that I was one of his mates. Maybe I still am.
During the heat of the drama, Mason’s management announced that several other Bulldogs players were ready to leave the club if Mason was cut. Folkes poured cold water on those suggestions.
“The players that were mentioned – I’ve spoken to all of them and that certainly wasn’t the case.”
What is certain is the Bulldogs/Roosters clash in round four, at Telstra Stadium, will be one of the most eagerly anticipated Sydney club matches in years
“It’ll be close to full house, which is great because it’s our home game,” Folkes said.
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