That's my view - there's no denying that he arrived in dreadful shape but equally, there's also no denying that he's played the game at the top level and had a pretty fearsome reputation when he did. Given that, there's absolutely no reason that he can't rebuild his fitness and become one of SL's most effective forwards.

It does come down to desire and motivation though - if he doesn't summon up enough of either in the off-season, I'd like to see the club act decisively to terminate his contract.

He needs a "Rocky Montage" of an off-season.

He CAN do it, IMO it comes down to if WANTS to do it. We'll see.

I don't however participate in the view that he's a liability to the club. In my view we have a win-win situation.
If he does get back to his past levels of fitness and form we have one hell of a forward, if he doesn't well he won't get in the team with the standard of players/staff we are signing. He was also signed at a time when we didn't have 2 quids to rub together.

The future of Mr Hickey is in his own hands.

The fact that he let himself get in that shape knowing he had a contract says a lot about his attitude, I think he is a liability to himself.
As I posted earlier the ball is most definitely in his court, and if he does not achieve what is expected, as Bren posted, I would hope the club take the required action.

Indeed - I expect to see him beating up a side of beef, dragging a log round Pugney's and running up the Cathedral steps in the snow, with adoring children trailing behind him.

If he doesnt sort himself out, he wont be playing much as there is no way we can carry 2 x 20/30mins players in the 17 next year in him and Lauititi.
1 is a luxury, 2 is just daft.

if he doesn't shape up, you may well still see him on the cathedral steps....

you forgot chasing chickens and not the KFC variety.

Hickey has said on his twitter in response to someone asking him if he was going back to Oz at xmas that he wasn't as having a big "off season" over here.

Sounds promising lets hope he puts the graft in and we see the real Hickey next season

Smart decision.
Good on ya jarrad!

I know he didn't arrive in best of shape BUT if this is the case the he's showing the correct charachter and well done. He's had alot of flak and some of it personal and in bad taste which I have not got involved in.

Commendable that he has seen that he was out of fitness and is working on it.

He looks like he has lost quite a few pounds now, not saying he's slim or anything but he looks like he is putting the effort in. Jonh I think said it's harder to lose weight in a season, I'm no fitness expert so if what Jonh has said is right then maybe he's not doing too bad. Think that's what Jon said but I have had a few since reading it. Can anyone tell me why it is harder?

I would imagine it would have something to do with high energy foods for matches and recovery also. Off season training can be moderated without the body getting bashed up every week.

At a guess.