Luke
Member
IT now appears all but certain Test prop David Shillington will part ways with the Canberra Raiders in spring after the uneasy relationship between the former club captain and key members of the Raiders' administration and coaching staff collapsed this week
In an odd turn of events, reformed Newcastle forward Willie Mason appears to have been the catalyst for Shillington to make the first decisive move, stepping down as a member of the Raiders' leadership group.
Mason has been outspoken in his criticism of what he describes as the self-centred attitude of some of the game's young stars – mostly referring to former Raider Josh Dugan and his good friend Blake Ferguson.
Speaking ahead of Ferguson's return to club duties next week, Mason suggested questions needed to be asked about the Raiders' culture and leadership.
Mason said it fell to the leaders at the Raiders to explain why the likes of Dugan, Ferguson and previously Todd Carney simply refused to adhere to even the most basic behavioural standards.
Mason singled out Shillington as one of the players who needed to take a tougher line with those players who fail to meet the expectations required.
While Shillington refused to discuss what he described as "in-house matters", it is believed Mason's raw comments stung him. Shillington was reportedly furious his leadership had been brought into question given he had led a group of senior Canberra players into several meetings with coach David Furner and members of the Raiders' front office, demanding sterner action be taken in dealing with the wayward pair.
Friends with Mason since their days as teammates at the Roosters, Shillington is believed to have contacted him, keen to clarify the perception others have of what has been happening in Canberra.
Despite claims to the contrary, The Weekend Australian has learned the Brisbane Broncos are interested in securing Shillington's services next season -- provided he comes at the right price.
Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/fuming-test-prop-to-abandon-raiders/story-fnca0von-1226678706422
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Should we be looking at him? Despite what the article says, I think he would be a good leader for the younger props coming through, especially since he has represented at the highest level. A two year deal at a reasonable price would be nice.
In an odd turn of events, reformed Newcastle forward Willie Mason appears to have been the catalyst for Shillington to make the first decisive move, stepping down as a member of the Raiders' leadership group.
Mason has been outspoken in his criticism of what he describes as the self-centred attitude of some of the game's young stars – mostly referring to former Raider Josh Dugan and his good friend Blake Ferguson.
Speaking ahead of Ferguson's return to club duties next week, Mason suggested questions needed to be asked about the Raiders' culture and leadership.
Mason said it fell to the leaders at the Raiders to explain why the likes of Dugan, Ferguson and previously Todd Carney simply refused to adhere to even the most basic behavioural standards.
Mason singled out Shillington as one of the players who needed to take a tougher line with those players who fail to meet the expectations required.
While Shillington refused to discuss what he described as "in-house matters", it is believed Mason's raw comments stung him. Shillington was reportedly furious his leadership had been brought into question given he had led a group of senior Canberra players into several meetings with coach David Furner and members of the Raiders' front office, demanding sterner action be taken in dealing with the wayward pair.
Friends with Mason since their days as teammates at the Roosters, Shillington is believed to have contacted him, keen to clarify the perception others have of what has been happening in Canberra.
Despite claims to the contrary, The Weekend Australian has learned the Brisbane Broncos are interested in securing Shillington's services next season -- provided he comes at the right price.
Source: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/fuming-test-prop-to-abandon-raiders/story-fnca0von-1226678706422
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Should we be looking at him? Despite what the article says, I think he would be a good leader for the younger props coming through, especially since he has represented at the highest level. A two year deal at a reasonable price would be nice.
