Firstly, let me state that this topic is purely to gauge the views of Widnes supporters. I'm blogging as part of an assignment and am using this as something of a questionnaire. In no way do I wish to cause offence, hope this is okay mods.

Please relay your views here.

What do you make of the sad situation that has been dealt on Paul Cullen and his family this year?

What do you think of the way the club has handled it? Would you have done anything different?

Does his personal situation put the fortunes of rugby league into perspective? Is sport really as important as life and death?


Thank you.

Seems fair to ask the question Richard. I don't quite feel comfortable enough to answer well it though.

I agree with Chris, can't put it into words exactly, but just feels a bit to 'raw' at the moment to be commenting on this. Appreciate there is a wider debate to be had about sport and perspective, but maybe at another time?

Hope you dont mind Richard but can we leave this for time being, IMO there is too much trolling and "banter" on here atm for this not to get out of hand, Hope you understand.

I cant comment on Paul Cullen. But I feel Fans often expect players and Coaches to perform 100% all the time. Players and Coaches are under constant pressure from us fans let alone normal life. Speaking personally I suffer from Depression but its under control. Peter Jackson (Former kangeroo) suffered from it and committed Suicide eventually. Others have had Family members struggle with life and then kill themselves- Lee Briers Brother and the wife of Tawere Nikau. Then others have family members handicapped (Wayne Bennett, Jamie Rooney). That must play on your mind and sometimes exhaust you mentally. There is no right or wrong way to handle things as often different people will handle problems the best way for them. A club like Widnes can offer support but I am not sure they can offer that much help when say a family member is seriously ill. It maybe can allow a person a bit more time but what else?
Living in Germany last year we had the National Goalkeeper commit suicide. His daughter had died a year or two before from an illness-something he never got over. It shocked many people, but the stigma attatched to Suicide and depression remains. Questions that were thrown up was things like-Are Sports stars & Trainers put under too much pressure from clubs, Fans and the media? What can be done to help Sports people who are under so much pressure deal better with life and certain problems like family members with a serious illness? Many Questions but nobody could really answer it. Sorry if this has not really answered your questions.