Journeyman forward Willie Mason has said that Canberra's senior players, including Queensland prop David Shillington, should shoulder some of the blame for dumped Blues' winger Blake Ferguson’s latest indiscretion.
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Mason claimed his current club, the Newcastle Knights, would have forced Ferguson to toe the line and clean up his act.
“I’m not sure Canberra have that whole system,” Mason told NRL360 on Wednesday night.
“I don’t know if the senior players down there like David Shillington are strong enough people to say, ‘Hey mate, you’re letting down the whole club and yourself personally.''
“I put it down to that club and the lack of leadership down there.”
Ferguson is serving a four-week NRL-imposed suspension after being formally charged with indecent assault of a female at a Cronulla nightclub.
The alleged incident occurred hours after the 23-year-old outside back was named in the NSW State of Origin squad for game two.
Canberra Raiders players and coach David Furner have declined to comment, but are understood to be upset by Mason’s remarks.
They have been especially offended by references to Shillington, an Australian and Queensland representative front-rower who is a part of the club’s leadership group.
Mason is at his fourth NRL club after previously having played for the Bulldogs, Sydney Roosters and North Queensland.
Raiders chairman John McIntyre hit back at Mason’s remarks and said it was the senior leadership group were the ones who recommended to the club’s board to sack fullback Josh Dugan, after his infamous rooftop drinking session with Ferguson earlier this season.
‘‘No disrespect to Willie, but he’s got no idea,’’ McIntyre said.
‘‘What he should be looking at is how strong Canberra’s culture has been over a period of time.
‘‘The senior leadership group leave the actual judgment to the club, but they were supportive knowing Ferguson has had some personal issues, and were sympathetic towards that.’’
Ferguson will front Waverley Local Court on July 16, with the Raiders hopeful he will be cleared to return for their next game against the Parramatta Eels on July 20.
McIntyre said the club had taken the right action with Ferguson and was confident his cousin and world champion boxer Anthony Mundine would help with his off-field issues.
‘‘What more can we do?,’’ McIntyre said.
‘‘We were the ones that made the recommendation to the NRL.
‘‘Anything that happens is still a work in progress as far as Ferguson is concerned.’’
