And what evidence is there to say like wise Mason admitted to the club he has had talks with Toulon last year and this year

Correct. Very funny but entirely unsuccessful efforts to deflect the understandable crushing disappointment in the context of cardboard cutouts, Beckham comparisons, pay to watch him go to the toilet hysteria. When all is said and done, Mason was messed about due to Rovers inept management team. He showed willing in going to Tonga, he came across in very good shape. Morgan spoke glowingly of how well he trained. He played every game possible.

I look forward to evidence that he was talking to Toulon long before he was de-registered as there was no talk of it before David Burns broke the story and it's a new and highly convenient, unproven slur on Mason at a time of embarrassment for Rovers. Even if it were true, Hudgell was very clear that all parties knew Dobson would be re-registered as soon as fit and Mason was well aware of it. In this context and with no passport in sight, Mason's actions in exploring options are entirely understandable. I find it very odd that the HDM are reporting that the Toulon stories were doing the rounds before Mason arrived. It's simply not true and very poor by the HDM.

So Rovers didn't show any interest until he had left Hull FC?

Eh?

Hudgell was very clear that all parties knew Dobson would be re-registered as soon as fit and Mason was well aware of it. In this context and with no passport in sight, Mason's actions in exploring options are entirely understandable.


he was offered the chance to play for a well established super league team on loan,
his "understandable actions " as you put it only came into play when he realised that bigger money was elsewere.

rlhttp://www.superleaguefans.com/rugby-league/2011/05/22/willie-mason-signs-for-toulon.htmlrl

Done, apologies if already linked

Hmm. It's an ill-concealed secret that Rovers have blackballed the Mail and Humberside recently over their respective reportings on this saga. They've all leapt back into bed again now, though, and are cuddled under a rosy quilt.

Wonder what convinced Hudge to be nice again?

Caveating things with "The Mail understands" is one thing. The HDM are suddenly stating as fact that Mason was linked with Toulon before he arrived in the UK. That is a lie. A pretty convenient one too now that Rovers are suddenly "investigating" prior contact with Toulon. Prejudicial IMO. And people call me manipulative.

Mason's agent will have had contact with Toulon well before the day Willie flew out to France.
You dont just get a phone call saying fancy nipping over tomorrow.

What? No derisive shouts of ridicule from Rovers on this particular Mail understanding, then??

Where's Roverswall? He tends to lead the way with these cries of foul. At least he did when the issue of funds being a loan was being questionned...

I doubt it was "well before". I heard Mrs O'Meley booked the flights only a couple of nights before he went.

Cooke approached Rovers.

Having defended his conduct in this regard, I can't now be very critical of Mason. I'd look ridiculous. Similarly, Hull fans who felt Cooke's behaviour was an outrage will no doubt take Rovers side in this case.