I think that's the problem in the modern game, coaches don't seem to know what an out and out 13 is.

6ft 2 ins, 17 stone, 100 metres in 10.5 sec, top quality tackler, decent step (on either foot), sublime passing skills, reads the game.
That should cover it but, the reality is that we have to make do with a player that has some of these attributes that best suits the other players in the team.

Most have a ball playing forward that will tackle.

I think we've all seen enough of Westerman to know that him taking the game seriously and playing at his very best, would be the best 13 in this country by a long way. Upto now hasn't fulfilled his potential

Because there is no such thing as an "out and out 13". It depends entirely on the balance of your side and how you use your half-backs, full-back and second rowers.

About the only pre-requisite is that they should be able to defend in the middle third, all else is about where they slot into the team pattern.

the out-and-out loose forward has died, as most sides have moved the extra ball handling role to the fullback, while the average hooker has also become faster and more manouverable, the end result being sides can benefit more from an extra hard-running forward than a a fifth ball player.

O'Loughlin, Wilkin and Westerman are just about the only ball playing loose forwards left in top level super league, and so by default, they're the best in that mould.

In terms of the big tackling loose forward, Leeds have three-Ablett, Bailey and Clarkson. Warrington have Harrison, Hull KR have Lovegrove & Catalans have Baitieri. Of those, Baitieri & Harrison are the best looses that aren't mostly used elsewhere.

Funny how no one has mentioned Danny Washbrook at Wakefield.
Top Superleague tackler last season.
Ball handler, can play stand off, and scores a fair number of tries.

Doesnt John Wilkin get a mention? When you're asking for a player to be built and run like a forward, yet be able to pass, step, kick and read a game like a half back, imo you have to say Wilkin shows most of those attributes naturally.

Westerman isnt a 13, never has been never will be. Likes to hide out wide to much.

I think Westerman looked like being the real deal at Cas. For some reason he's gone backwards at Hull.

Danny Washbrook has been a revelation since joining Wakefield. Top tackler of the season by far, scored his fair share of tries, played in a half back/creative type role at times, whilst also working hard like a prop at other times. He's been brilliant, very underrated.

Would like to see Smith try Hill at 13 this year. Big lad who has suprising pace, a great step and good hands - coming through his youth as a 6 I understand.
His second season in SL will see him play a much more expansive role imo.