High profile Bulldogs rugby league forward Willie Mason is set to leave the club after it rejected his request to fight in a professional boxing bout next year.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Mason was angry that he wasn't allowed to take time off to train for the bout and was further irked by the fact he might be fined for not attending a club function on grand final day.

Club chief executive Malcolm Noad confirmed he was prepared to let the Test star go.

"If Willie doesn't want to play we will give him a release," Noad said.

"No one is bigger than the club and the team.

"If Willie wants a release he can call me. I won't be chasing him."

Noad dismissed reports his own position was under fire, saying the issue had not been raised formally or informally within the club.

He added reports that Mason was set to be fined $50,000 were ridiculous.

"We don't get fined $5000 if you go DUI," he said.

"You would have to invade the White House."

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