This is a post essentially to start a debate about if you were Richie Mathers (on that facts that are available to us in the public domain) what decision would you have made between a one year extension with us, or a three year move to Castleford?

DISCLAIMER: I know there is no definitive answer over this as we cannot possibly understand Mathers'; financial situation, social/ family situation, other options available to him, agreements/ decisions/ conversations held behind closed doors, and other influential factors which we have no idea about.


I really cannot decide what I would do. Both options carry significant advantages and disadvantages.

ADVANTAGES OF WARRINGTON;

Arguably better facilities,
Arguably more chance of trophy success,
Although playing second fiddle to Hodgson his fitness has been up and down this season (fingers crossed he is ship shape for 2011),
Tony Smith has made it clear that squad rotation is a key aspect of his management.

DISADVANTAGES OF WARRINGTON;

Mathers would be second choice to a world class fullback in a position where the squad has other competitive options for cover,
Further away from his home in Yorkshire (he has a young baby),
One year doesn't offer much long term security especially where injury strikes,
Playing second fiddle provides limited opportunities to impress and therefore pursue new contracts.


ADVANTAGES OF CASTLEFORD;

Closer to home,
Clearly first choice fullback,
Security of three years guaranteed income,
Arguably a "chance to shine" as one of their squad's stronger/ better travelled members (he has NRL and top club experience).

DISADVANTAGES OF CASTLEFORD;

In three years time they may not even be a Super League club?!?
Evidence from recent years suggests little opportunities for pushing for silverware,
As a club with a strong history of youth development Mathers may see his squad place being challenged by a young, cheaper model by the end of the three years,
Less "glamour" of playing for a "bigger club" (e.g. a worse stadium with smaller crowds).


*This list of advantages/ disadvantages is obviously only speculation, open to debate, and by no means exhaustive.

I would have gone to castleford because next season he would only get 4 or 5 games maybe if hodgson stays fit and just misses a few games due to rotation. Also the financial situation he is guaranteed 3 years income and he is closes to home. However like the previous poster said castleford may not even get a super league license as in my opinion they and wakefield are the two in most danger.

Regarding trophy's castleford probably will not win a trophy in the next 3 years but he doesn't want to just sit on the sidelines at warrington collecting possible trophy's and a bigger wage as he enjoys the game so much he just wants to play. Also having an extra year here as 2nd choice could disinterest future employees as he hasn't had much game time which could then leave him without income.

I think fair play to him, he has probably took a wage cut to go to gas, but once you take into consideration his constant gripe with the m62, travelling costs and long term security, Cas is the right move. Also, he loves the game and wants to play week in, week out.

In short, Id have gone to Cas and probably have an easier ride at home with the mrs! it'll be two hours plus a day he will be at home more, rather than travelling to and from yorkshire.

No arguments with Mathers decision. In his position I would have probably done the same. You only get so many years playing, and at 26 you wouldnt want to be stood around wondering if this week is your week or not.

In addition to 3 years security. I would imagine a probable wage INCREASE, and locality. It really is a no-brainer

BO-YAAAAH

He's a pro who wants to be No 1 in his position. I respect his choice and I only hope he doesn't do what he did the last time he left Tony Smith's team, Leeds, go off thge boil! Fair Play to him and he will always be remember, by me anyway, for his enthusiasm and that try at Wembley.

No brainer for me I would have gone to Cas when the offer came through. Once it became clear Richie was not going to be TS' first choice FB for the next 2 years he was always going to be moving on. Regarding the SL licence for Cas, I would envisage all SL contracts to have a clause inserted which renders the contract null & void should the club become a non-SL club.

Good on him. He has secured his future for him and his family (well about as much security as you can get in this profession). I think both he and Warrington have benefited in his move from Wigan.
It gave him the opportunity to prove himself after he returned from Australia and we have had stability in a position that has seen a lot of different names in the fullback position.

I thought Richard Owen would have been first choice full back at Cas in the future. He has had a terrible injury. I wonder what the future holds for him?

I wouldn't go to Castleford with all those references to a Trades Union, Mullets and homosexual chanting. Heaven forbid.

How could I forget to put all that under my Disadvantages of Castleford list

I think he's already made it obvious he a) isn't prepared to play second fiddle and b) wants a better deal. I think Cas would be a good move for him: Closer to home, first choice in his position, three year deal.

Give Richie his due, he came to us as part of the Gleeson deal after having a lot of stick from the Wigan fans.

He has been part of a club which is on the up and he is leaving with a Challenge Cup Winners medal (at least).

The move to Cas seems ideal for him so good luck to the bloke, I think he'll get a good reception from the Wire fans when he returns

Real shame to see him go and a first test of Smith's decision making: B.H. has been in poor form and prone to injury for much of this season. Personally would have enforced the one year option to guarantee first class cover if things go wrong with Hodgson. His age and seeming frailty, combined with the lack of form, hardly inspire confidence!

Can't blame Richie for making the move to secure his family's future, but feel his chances of winning anything are greatly diminished with Cas. Had he chosen to remain and carry on his very good form he may well have played a good part of next season in a top team, giving TS no option but to renew his contract.

I would have taken the Cas gig, however there is a distinct possibility that Cas will not get a Superleague franchise in 2012. I wonder if he's factored that into his decision?

As I said earlier I would expect his contract to allow for that outcome

His Super League contract would become void and he'd be a free agent