Bluey has copped sum stick Sumat unfair in my opinion, he seems to be struggling to cope with a new addition to the family as well as trying to settle his family into life half way round the world, let's give the guy some time and a break and I'm sure he'll come good, if not at least we tried, I remember a couple of years ago Wigan give up on Pat Richards but at the 11th hour gave him a 2nd chance !!!!!. He did OK didn't he, I think we need to change the Captain to take some pressure of him, I would give it to Charlie a heart like a lion

I'm not in a position to judge his performances, bar 2, and they were both solid. I wouldn't expect any more from the guy at the moment.

I am in a position to judge what it's like to live in a foreign country with a young family, away from your relatives and friends, and all the support systems that people at times take for granted. Trust me, it's bloody hard work. It takes at least a year before you begin to feel settled, and you always worry that your family are taking more of the strain than you are, because at least you have your work, and your new mates.

Cut the guy some slack and give him some support. Same goes for the rest of the new overseas arrivals... even players who've moved from within the same country. Try it yourselves if you don't believe me. Wakey aint the easiest place to move to... but you will be rewarded if you stick with it, and I don't just mean the cash.

While you are correct also think about this. Just about every RL player over here come either for the cash or the fact that they are not good enough to cut it back home. We don't abduct them and drag them over, so if they are miserable and unsettled when they arrive it is self inflicted. They should be grown up enough to realise what they are doing and what a career in the UK means. At the end of the day if it dosn't live up to their expectations go home, end of !

And whilst you're also correct that they're not forced to come here, it doesn't mean they should automatically know what to expect when they get here, or that their families should automatically settle here. It sounds easy on the face of it, especially if you can earn a good living in the process, but it isn't that simple.

Someone else mentioned Pat Richards at Wigan earlier, and how he was considered a dud when he first signed. I was thinking of Matt King at Wire, and a host of other names who've taken time to find their feet. For every Steve Ella there are a number of Shane Troncs, Mark Grahams, and the like.

It's been commented that Southern has problems off the field (I don't know the details). He's also spent most of the season playing out of position on the field, and taken over the captaincy of a team that's full of new players. It's a big responsibility for anyone, especially someone new to the whole set up. Fans should be giving him support, IMO.

Agreed. Support Steve Southern. That is all.

Firstly in all fairness to Steve Southern he didn't start this thread and as far as I know he may be more than happy to sort out his own life and is not looking for special help or support. In fact this whole thread could be a load of cack and the bloke is OK with his situation.

Now talking general here not just Steve Sothern. First of all I stand by what I said and that sensible mature adults should stand by their decisions and be prepared to accept the results. If things don't work out then tough.

secondly from that list you can also add the likes of Brent Todd and Clinton O'Brien. We even had the BJ fiasco when he wanted home but only got as far as Bradford. We have had more than our fair share of this at the club over the years. So here is a suggestion

First of all if you are going to sign an Aussie make 100% sure they are top class therefore any of the risks and downsides we are talking about are worth it.

Secondly (and we may do this) really make sure they know as much as they possible what they are letting themselves in for before they come. My advice to any aussie looking to come over here would be to bring your wife and kids to our cold grey northern towns and cities for a break first. Have a good look around then go home and make your decision.

100% agree with everything you say.

Bluey turned down offers from Nrl clubs to sign for us. He will Come good have faith

I wasn't planning on knocking on his door and asking him if he needs a hand with the shopping.

As far as the general points you've made are concerned, fair enough. Whether Steve Southern is blissfully happy or not, as you say, we've had more than our fair share of players who haven't managed to settle or produce the goods over the years. Conversely, we've also had a fair few so-called average imports who've offered far more than we would or could have expected.

You can be a top player, fully aware of what you're letting yourself in for, and still struggle for reasons completely unrelated to any of this. Didn't Danny Nutley leave Cas because his kids couldn't settle and were getting bullied at school or something? I may be wrong, but all I'm saying is you can't legislate for that kind of thing, and when you're far from home, that kind of stuff can be a lot harder to deal with than people may expect. That's the only point I'm trying to make.

Anyway, let's hope it is a non story and the guy plays out of his skin for the remainder of the season.

Problems or not we only ask that for the 80 minutes he is carrying out his PAID ROLE he puts in the effort, and I don't see that. However it would help if he was on the pitch for more than 30 mins per game Mr Agar

Really dont think Southern would have played as many NRL games as he did if he was crap. Personally i think he is getting a really rough ride getting stuck at prop every game when he clearly isn't. He weighs about fifteen stone for god sake. The only game ive seen him play second row for us was leeds boxing day and he really stood out, had a very impressive game. Think everyone is forgetting he is playing out of position just like Tommy Lee did last year for us, yet now in his proper position of hooker he's keeping lunt out of the team. Someone please name a fifteen stone prop that would stand out like people expect Southern to do, within are price range because paul gallen is the only one i can think of.