For me, while clearly disappointing and more than a bit embarrasing, it isn't a catastrophe.
While the club will get some grief, I hope it isn't disproportionate (from Rovers fans at least, being realistic). Remember that the RFL were also convinced that it'd be sorted in a matter of days to and had quality assurances from a third party that that would be the case.
Anybody who wants to discuss the issues please use this thread.
For me, while clearly disappointing and more than a bit embarrasing, it isn't a catastrophe.
While the club will get some grief, I hope it isn't disproportionate (from Rovers fans at least, being realistic). Remember that the RFL were also convinced that it'd be sorted in a matter of days to and had quality assurances from a third party that that would be the case.
'Thus I am tormented by my curiosity and humbled by my ignorance.' from History of an Old Bramin, The New York Mirror (A Weekly Journal Devoted to Literature and the Fine Arts), February 16th 1833.
Post subject: Re: The sensible, forward-looking Mason/Dobson thread
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 2:00 pm
Mild Rover
Moderator
Joined: Jun 01 2007 Posts: 12667 Location: Leicestershire.
Scott_HKR wrote:Well, what will happen next then?
Will Mason pull on a Rovers shirt again, or is he gone for good.
My assumption is that he is gone - but the statement did mention the possibilty of him being re-registered.
'Thus I am tormented by my curiosity and humbled by my ignorance.' from History of an Old Bramin, The New York Mirror (A Weekly Journal Devoted to Literature and the Fine Arts), February 16th 1833.
Post subject: Re: The sensible, forward-looking Mason/Dobson thread
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 2:02 pm
Scott_HKR
Player Coach
Joined: Feb 01 2006 Posts: 1782 Location: Hull (East of Course!)
And as we speak:
Quote:In light of the RFL statement issued this afternoon, the club has released the following statement regarding Willie Mason. Willie Mason has been de-registered with the RFL whilst the passport process is finalised. For reasons beyond the club/players control this process has not been completed. We were advised on extremely good authority that Willie would qualify for a Tongan passport when he signed for the club. This has subsequently been backed up in writing several times and most recently again by a letter personally signed off by the Prime Minister of Tonga which states: "I can confirm that all qualifying steps have now been completed and Mr Mason unreservedly is entitled to Tongan nationality and therefore a Tongan passport." Unfortunately the process has not been finalised following a change of government and the disbanding of the privy council. No passports have been issued in Tonga at all during this period. The privy council are required to finalise the process. They are constitutionally due to reform next month (May) when it is anticipated the matter will be finalised. In view of recent rumours circulating about Willie and a move to French rugby union the club will not be pursuing dialogue with the RFL for a discretionary dispensation provided by the rules given these circumstances. The club will be meeting with Willie and his agent shortly to discuss media reports linking him with a move to French rugby union. The clubs position remains that Willie is retained under the terms of a contract of employment and that no direct approach has been made for his services.
Looks like they are going to allow him to talk to other clubs
Post subject: Re: The sensible, forward-looking Mason/Dobson thread
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 2:04 pm
hkrdavidhkr
Player Coach
Joined: Mar 23 2009 Posts: 356
COMPLETE AND UTTER FARCE
it was done as a clear money making opportunity, most of the realistic fans can see this....
I`m ashamed to be a rovers fan right now....... after 4/5 goodish years and fairly good progress made on and off the pitch and now we are back to square one...... looking foolish...
Post subject: Re: The sensible, forward-looking Mason/Dobson thread
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 2:11 pm
sandy
Player Coach
Joined: Apr 06 2006 Posts: 1103 Location: The Heart of East Hull
not embarrassed at all really, the way I see it we tried to sign one of the biggest players of the last 10 years what with the red tape issues it became a lot harder than it should have been, we then took an opportunity to get him in through an RFL supported loop hole while our no1 playmaker was out injured. He's back fit now and is far more important to how we function as a team rather than big willie who was always a luxury signing. if he moves on as it looks like he will so be it, I'd rather we tried these things as a club to improve rather than sign and put up with mediocrity and I hope it doesn't put us off making big signings in the future just because as it appears this one hasn't come off.
Post subject: Re: The sensible, forward-looking Mason/Dobson thread
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 2:14 pm
Kosh
Moderator
Joined: Jul 31 2003 Posts: 36786 Location: Leafy Worcester, home of the Black Pear
So reading through that statement it would seem that Mason isn't even officially Tongan yet, let alone a Tongan passport holder. Interesting. It would also appear that there may be some truth in the rumours regarding Toulon. I'm quite surprised how accurate some of the rumours flying around recently have turned out to be. I'd dismissed them as too far-fetched.
Seems that nobody is likely to emerge from this with much credit TBH. And as usual it's the fans that get mucked about.
Hold on to me baby, his bony hands will do you no harm It said in the cards, we lost our souls to the Nameless One
Post subject: Re: The sensible, forward-looking Mason/Dobson thread
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 2:24 pm
tigerj
International Star
Joined: Oct 03 2010 Posts: 122 Location: Riding on a Robin
Kosh wrote:So reading through that statement it would seem that Mason isn't even officially Tongan yet, let alone a Tongan passport holder. Interesting. It would also appear that there may be some truth in the rumours regarding Toulon. I'm quite surprised how accurate some of the rumours flying around recently have turned out to be. I'd dismissed them as too far-fetched.
Seems that nobody is likely to emerge from this with much credit TBH. And as usual it's the fans that get mucked about.
If he doesn't have a tongan passport he will count against Toulon's quota which im guessing they are close or are at capacity with.
Post subject: Re: The sensible, forward-looking Mason/Dobson thread
Posted: Thu Apr 21, 2011 2:28 pm
mildred's toyboy
Player Coach
Joined: Jan 13 2009 Posts: 281
now having read the "announcements", it seems to have been the correct approach from an employment point of view, Mason employed as a player on an 'understanding' which went to the very root of the contract, this understanding fell through (for the explained reasons).
the correct course of action for the future (imho) is never employ a player until his 'status' eg nationality, is beyond doubt.
Still...very strange indeed..very poor...and a shame the club looked so foolish!
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