PEOPLE power has ensured the Sea Eagles parted ways with any plans to secure Willie Mason this year.
As first reported in The Manly Daily on Saturday, the controversial Roosters forward will not be coming to Brookvale in 2010.
The Daily was met with strong protests by fans against the club signing Mason, fearing his off-field reputation would smear the Sea Eagles label.
It is widely understood Manly coach Des Hasler was keen on Mason, believing he could transform the footballer into his old self.
Hasler gained the support of a raft of ex-players, with each believing the coach capable of extracting the best out of Mason.
But the Daily also understands concerned sections within the Sea Eagles did not want the 29-year-old at the club.
“He would have brought too much baggage to the club,†a source within the Sea Eagles said after Manly CEO Graham Lowe declared Mason a no-go zone on Wednesday morning.
“People at the club were concerned about whether it (Mason’s signature) would have been in the best interests of the organisation.â€Â
Lowe rejected suggestions a feared backlash from sponsors and supporters was behind the club pulling out.
“I tried to consider the impact it would have on everybody,†Lowe told the Daily.
“I’m not in the job to win a popular contest.
“This is a management decision, and I considered everything. The decision was made in the best interests of the club, that’s the job we are all charged with doing.
“I want the fans, members and sponsors to be confident that any decision we make will be the right one.â€Â
Jason Avedissian Manly Daily