Steve Southern appears to have become this season's scapegoat, which is especially sad given what he's going through off the field; just about the last thing he needs, I would imagine, is to be made to feel unwelcome by the very people who should be supporting him.

Agreed but as i've said previously, maybe he needs a couple of weeks out of the limelight to get his head together then. He is not at the races at the minute and its not helping anybody, especially himself.

I think he is a genuine guy who has come over to do his best. A combination of "off the fieldl issues" and being forced to play out of position is affecting his performances, as well as the fact he is playing limited minutes - not sure why that is (only Agar will know).

I can see why some fans are disappointed with his lack of minutes, but when he is on the field I do think he is doing what he has a reputation for (ie being a decent defensive second rower who will take the ball up but not likely to be off loading in the tackle).

Clearly, he needs to decide both with his family, the club and Agar what the best way forward is. The options would appear to be fairly straightforward :-

(a) Release him from his contract and allow him to return home

(b) Take him out of the team and the firing line for a few weeks, whilst he tries to sort things out

(c) Allow him to continue playing (but getting more minutes out of him, and maybe replacing him as captain), in the hope that in the meantime he can resolve the off the field issues.

Someone always cops it don't they, imo they have got the wrong man and we should be supporting him.

No need.

I agree he should be supported-starting with the coach showing his support. If the player has problems off the field then that may be affecting his form on the field. I don't think he should be sacked-rest him! Take some of the pressure off him till his problems are resolved and give such as Mariano a chance.
Also, relieve him of the captaincy, that may also be affecting his form. This is purely player welfare and team sense - not seeking a scapegoat.

some of the comments by supposed Wakey fans in this thread are just ridiculous.

it was really frustrating watching on Friday but dont agree with most of the reaction

Its the old blame game, they all need to pull together . the teams looking poor after a good start, the last 2 games just bring things to a head.
I would like to see the squad used, but only RA knows the reason for that.

He's not being made a scapegoat. Last 2 games most of the players have been dire.
But he was one of our biggest signings, with a good reputation, he has been given the job of captain and imo (and obviously some other posters on here) he has not, for whatever reason, matched the rep or even come close to the player we were led to believe we were getting.

Par for the course for a number of Trinity fans.

The noises started after about the 3rd game, which was absolutely ridiculous because he was playing well, even as a Prop he didn't let anyone down, just seemed to get banged up but just because he's a couple of poor games we start to hear this rubbish.

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 !