Willie Mason fights Bulldogs Board

It doesn't seem to just be Malcolm Noad that is squaring off with Willie Mason; it seems he may only be the mouthpiece that is simply delivering the message from some high powered Belmore board members.

While all the headlines have centered on Noad and Mason, with some stories suggesting that Malcolm Noad may even face the axe - the real reason behind the flare up is the distaste that Mason is leaving in some of the board members mouths.

The straight shooting and brash Mason has regularly got himself into trouble in the past for several indiscretions; the list really is endless - and he has always seemed to get himself a second chance.

However, this time Mason has really pushed the envelope and is putting his power to the test. Maybe his mail is wrong, it's not just Noad that wants him sorted out - it seems Willie has several enemies in the Bulldogs back office.

After missing Bulldogs functions without warning and now threatening to take part in Boxing situations without the blessings of the Bulldogs - Mason is walking a tightrope.

Something has to give. Be it Mason or maybe Noad, if Willie stays at Belmore he will forever have egg on his face. To the club and the public, he will look like the employee that threatened to quit but never quite had the guts, and his stature inside the club will be severely weakened. However, if Noad walks and Willie stays - then at least the big man actually had a minor victory of sorts and won't face the same scrutiny. On the flip side, if Willie does have the courage to walk - then the pressure will be squarely on Malcom Noad to perform big time in 2008 or the claws will be out.

So we wait with interest; will the big talking Willie stand up to his threats? Will he have the courage to walk away from his long time employer?

Or will we see the boardroom big guy Malcolm Noad take a hit for the team, will he walk away for the sake of club harmony?

Either way - Belmore isn't a happy place right now, they'll certainly want things sorted quickly as 2008 approaches.