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.

Well now that it seems nobody can name a prop in the world of rugby in our price range that weighs 15 stone and can do a better job than southern, lets cut him some slack FFS.

Mark tookey

His chin weighed 15 stone

If your talking about potential captains.. Kirmond when fit IMHO is a great option... That lad would run through a brick wall for his team... Always give 100%

Ok i will hold my hand up iv had a pop at southern he seems to be going backwards at the moment.I also agree he has adjustments to make so can anybody explain to me why are great coach,is making it harder for him playing him out of position,benching him when captain surely this will add to his woes.James for prop anyone?[agar included].

Personally feel that Rinaldi was also a big loss. Always lead from the front.