In fairness, there is plenty of evidence that Hickey is a talented RL player; he played at the top level in what is reasonably perceived as the most skillful, intense and physically challenging competition in the world. No question about that.

Thinking about it, that probably makes his current condition even more of a disgrace.

Maybe an appearance on Embarassing Fat Bodies could sort him out a bit quicker? Doctor Pixie could have a peep between his creases. Recommend a gastric band perhaps?

Indeed, but it shows how little reputations mean sometimes. We really need to stop admiring Aussies on reputation, it's like a get out of jail card to them. That's why it's often the unknown Aussies who are most successful in SL, they have no rep - what they have is a point to prove and treat it as a challenge.

Hickey and many before him have treated SL as anything but a challenge. Instead treating it with distain thinking their reputation puts them above the rest and it will be a doddle. Then we make excuses for them (not you) and wait in vain for their reputations to catch up with them and the player we expected emerge - rarely happens sadly.

I'm being harsh on Hickey because in these cases it's justified and to be honest the only way to get the message across. He may have been talented in the NRL but he isn't now and it's the now bit that matters to me. When I see that talent shown in the RW&B I'll be impressd and his reputation restored - not before.

He turned up unfit and overweight and when questioned by a Fan he didn't like it, thats all i need to know about him.

Whatever Ben Gledhills faults my be, or for that matter Kyle Trouts/Russ Spiers they will ALL bleed for this club, you decide who you want to back playing in RWB.

Its a easy choice for me, let chunky carry the water bottles.

Hope it's diet water, I reckon Hickey could find calories in normal water.

Trout/Spiers/Gledhill cant play any worse than Hickey did on Sunday, so give one of them a shot... Or play Higgins..

Whilst in no way meaning to diminish their will to fight for the cause that's a bit overly dramatic for me. Yes they probably deserve their chance but let's not make martyrs out of em just yet

It's more of an Rugby expression, he means there willing to get involved in the rough and tumble which usually means a bit of blood is shed. I don't think he means Band of Brothers/mafioso type honour stuff

I take the point but I'm not making martyts, if you have watched these guys bleed through the ranks maybe you would understand

You never know! One of these little bleeders may get a chance this week. JK cannot carry on with Hickey this week for another 18 min stint

According to James Deighton on Twitter Hickey is doubtful for the weekend.

Can't see his feet to get his boots on?

Leave him out and play Higgins - it's a no-brainer.