Quote: Pemps "A bit harsh to judge him against Vainikolo. He was a monster and ran over many wingers, centres and second rows.
I always liked exciting wingers. Gill, Robinson, Smyth, Carney, Dallas, Manfredi, Marshall... All capable of beating someone one on one. Sadly that's something Richards never had and, on a slightly different note, neither did Radlinski.
With regards to Radlinksi I'd have Lydon, Hampson, Paul, Blake, Roberts and Tomkins all ahead of him. I'm sure I'm in a vast minority with that view though.'"
True, but Vainikolo didn't score 5 every week, and I'd rather have Richards defending against him than Carney. Yeah it depends what you're looking for I suppose. Richards is definitely less exciting than the guys you mention, but I think he was an incredibly valuable player for all his attributes.
Picked Radlinski ahead of Tomkins because of his defensive abilities really. He won us the' 02 cup final almost single handedly. Not a bad attacker as well (think he was top try scorer in '01). Again, depends what you're looking for in an FB. I judged players over the course of their whole time at Wigan, rather than just at their peak, hence no Roberts or Fielden, who were brilliant on their day, but not on an average day.