POLICE have issued a warning to Bulldogs and Roosters fans for Friday night's clash at ANZ Stadium, but they may have a quiet night if a campaign by an anti-Willie Mason faction succeeds.
Bulldogs fans have started distributing leaflets urging fellow supporters to silently turn their backs on Mason at Homebush Bay and ignore him, rather than shout abusive comments at the Dog-turned-Rooster in his first game against his old club.
Members of The Kennel internet forum last night put together the leaflet, which states: "Turn your back on the man who turned his on us."
But the idea conflicts with the wishes of the Bulldogs' new boss, Todd Greenberg, who wants fans to voice their disapproval of Mason's controversial preseason switch to the Eastern Suburbs club.
"I'm expecting it to be brutal on the field, I'm expecting it to be personal on the field," Greenberg said. "He won't go wondering about which supporters are there, there's no doubt about that.
"That's what people will pay their ticket money for, to get out there and see Willie Mason in the red, white and blue.
"Now's the opportunity for Bulldogs fans to get out there and support us and make sure we have an advantage there."
Due to the large number of fans expected for the grudge match, security will be beefed up. In previous matches between the two clubs, brawls have broken out between rival fans - the fact Mason and fellow prop Mark O'Meley play for the first time against the home team will only add emotion to the event.
Flemington Police Inspector Mick Cleary warned fans last night: "Ensure you don't breach the law and disrupt others because police will be taking any action necessary."
Mason's decision has been criticised by former teammate Sonny Bill Williams, who said he had lost some respect for the Kangaroos international after he had been convinced to stay at the club by a Mason talk about loyalty.
In a twist, O'Meley last night supported Sonny Bill's stance, telling Channel Nine: "I'm not surprised, I would have thought the same … I think a lot of the boys would have the same opinion.
"Willie walked out on them. I am sure [the fans] will be dirty on him, not me," said O'Meley, who had announced his departure to the Roosters midway through last year, while Mason walked out on his contract in December after falling out with coach Steve Folkes and former chief executive Malcolm Noad.
Bulldogs fans are also selling T-shirts labelled "Born not bred" - an affront to the Roosters' recruitment strategy, with four former Dogs playing against the team on Friday - Mason, O'Meley, Braith Anasta and Nate Myles.
Anasta said Mason could expect a tough encounter against his former teammates. "I remember when I first played against them; it's not easy," Anasta said.
"It's a new club, and he's had some really strong memories and good memories of the club, and I'm sure he'll find it a bit uneasy or a bit different to what he's used to.
"I've been on the other side of the fence and seen how they prepare, and they love it. It's probably going to be a fiery game. They've lost both their props to our club - they want to make sure their forwards get over the top of ours."
The Kennel idea would be a unique occurrence at a Bulldogs game, with supporters usually among the most vocal in the competition. Kennel member "Jen" wrote: "We've lost respect for the idiot [Mason] as much as Sonny Bill has. This is [our] chance to do one of those things in rugby league history that people will look back on as a true statement from the fans."
Not all members agreed, however, with "Just Me" writing: "I'm sorry but there is NO way I am going to be able to contain myself when he runs out on the field. I am going to boo my arse off!"
Anasta, too, is expecting noise. "The Doggies fans, they're so passionate and they're loyal supporters … they're going to be out there in force, and I'm sure they're going to be giving Willie a bit of stick," he said.
With the prospect of Sonny Bill's directing a trademark shoulder charge at Mason, the fans won't want to have their backs turned for long.
