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.

Can't argue there. Washbrook had a good game every time I saw him last year.

I'll second that. He even scored and made cover tackles in a wing position!

Early on in the season there were a few people I spoke to at games who said he was only in the team because he was a big mate of Agar. The end of season stats speak for themselves.

Aside from height and passing game, i think your description fits Larne Patrick at Hudds. Just a shame he fell away at the end of last year, when hes fit and hungry he's got all the attributes to be a top loose.

Westerman at the minute isn't a loose forward. He is a legs defender, and you can't carry two legs defenders in the 'middle bank' of the field. He's better suited on an edge. A legs tackle is much quicker and less effective in the modern game than a 10-12 second ball/torso tackle.

A player I would like to see have a crack at loose forward is Justin Hodges. He's a big stong boy, makes meters in the middle and always gets an arm free. Solid defender too.

As stated before i dont belive There is one answer for what you would class as an " out and out loose" it depends on what the coach wants that position to add to the team. e.g another tough man up the middle of the park, that will do the hard yards (Paul Gallen) Or someone with a creative mind, a third half back if you like, with a kicking game (Kevin Brown)