As much as i like Mathers, the answer to Englands on going full back search is long-term, therefore why not give Widdop a chance the lad is only 21.

He can't be that bad to play under Bellamy and Storm.

I think the inclusion of Widdop is a good decision by McNamara and could prove alot of people wrong.

Seen him many times doing cracking try saving tackles, usually one on one.

Totally unfair - surely you're not questioning Mathers' motivation at any stage since he joined the club? That he's been able to turn a negative into a positive is all credit to him.

This is probably a bit of a trial for him before he signs for Bradford next year!

Absolutely agree. I think he has been a very good signing for us and not just the last few weeks. He made a few mistakes, but nobody makes more than the likes of Hodgson tbh.

As for Saddened, your contribution here is pathetic. Mathers has played more NRL games than Widdop.

What's that got to do with McNamara?

Or Martin Gleeson trying bo tackle Lee Smith last weekend just before Smith scored? That was laughable too! Gleeson never seems to have any trouble getting picked for england or GB though!

Lets be honest though, after widdop's preformance last weekend. He'd get in over mathers every single day of the week, and i couldnt care less if he doesnt get into first grade footy, because he's being kept out by a certain billy slater, who is the best fullback in the world and possibly the best player, but the fact that craig bellamy has moved him to stand off, and centre two pivotal positions, surely means he rates him as a player?

Do you think mathers is international class? seriously?

Thats not the point, its about rewarding performances and picking players based on form from the available english qualified full backs. Nobody is saying that Mathers is the future, its about sending the right message out to the english players that good form will be rewarded.

Name me an english qualified full back thats in better form than Richie Mathers at the moment ?

By all means include Gareth Widdop so he can experience the international set up, then possibly play him from the bench as a utility back so McNamara can have a look at him, Widdop can play a few positions.

I just found it a bit ironic that Mathers put in one of the best full back displays of the season from a SL player against Bradford and it was right under the nose of the england coach yet he doesn`t even make the squad, its not like we are over run with in form full backs in SL.

It wasn`t just a one off good performance from Mathers against Bradford, he`s been in good form for a month.

BTW, this is coming from someone who has criticised Mathers in the past. At least i`m not a blinkered fan where Mathers is concerned unlike some Wigan fans who prefer to try and hang on to the belief that they got the better deal with Gleeson lol. At least i can recognise good performances from players ive criticised in the past where as certain Wigan fans probably have a tub of vaseline on their armchairs when Warrington are on sky in the hope that Mathers will make a mistake so they can whack a good one out.

A*

Superb.

Careful with the vaseline. You don't want to get it all over your mother's settee.