When Willie Mason walked out on the Bulldogs last year, his parting gift was one hell of a spray in the direction of coach Steve Folkes.

Writing in his weekly newspaper column, Mason claimed he "never learnt anything from him (Folkes) in 10 years - other than to catch and pass".

"He had the best roster in the game for six or seven years and we only won one comp - the only reason we won was because of the players, not him."

15-love.

Folkes exacted his own form of revenge this week when he named everyone bar Mason and perhaps the ballboys in discussing the relative strengths of the Roosters squad.

15-all.

Most thought Mason's next chance to get back at Folkes would have been when he ran onto ANZ Stadium against Folkes' Bulldogs on Friday night.

But the outspoken forward couldn't resist a nibble on Thursday, claiming he already had benefited from spending just five months working under Roosters coach Brad Fittler.

"More life skills I suppose, (Fittler's) a bit more of a mentor," Mason said of Fittler's tutelage.

"He's taught me to be a better person, a lot more humble and getting my life outside of football in order."

30-15.

Quiet please. Folkes to serve.

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