I always reserve judjement on Aussie imports...we've had a real mixed bag as have most clubs. You get ...

The ones that 'need a year to settle in' ....then come good
The ones that 'need a year to settle in' ........and never ever come good
The ones that come over here with big reputations..and fail to deliver
The ones who get 'home sick' ....and bugger off early
The ones who are class and you count down the days til they go home hoping they'll extend their stay

I'm sure we can all think of example players to fit the bill for most categories.

Have to say I'm impressed with saints this year..missing a lot of players in key positions and playing real well. Your 'big' names are really standing up...I just wonder how long they can keep doing it with so many out.

The time honoured tradition when signing a Aus/Kiwi player of
If he signs for us, "world beater,test player, NRL league winner"
If he signs for them "over the hill, slow, he's only signing for you because he can't get a contract, money grabber"

fully agree.

Titans are treaded water this year, the performances I've seen have been uninspiring so much so that they are too busy looking to sign quality players for next year rather than concentrate on this season. If they finish as badly as they have started, it wont only be age that's a concern, but confidence as well.

To be fair, the time to judge Laffranchi (and any other player for that matter) is when they come over here and on their performances then.

He could be another Bryan Fletcher or a Ben Cross/ Willie Mason. Let's wait and see.