Its definately all based on opinion. I wouldnt personally say he is head and shoulders the best winger in the world, but he is probably one of the most complete players and certainly the most valuable winger in relation to Wigan. I would swap him for any other winger in the world currently maybe apart from Waine Pryce.

What amuses me most about threads like this is the undercurrent of Wigan hatred and British insecurity.

Some of the irrelevant points being made about Pat such as him not being in the Aussie team are unbelievable. Of course he isn't in the Aussie team. If Mal Meninga had come over to play for Wigan in the early '90s the Aussies would not have selected him for internationals, they don't pick any players playing overseas. Its difficult to have a discussion with people who appear to know very little about RL.

Here's some statistical evidence from the NRL - Pat scored 20 tries in an NRL season. You can't do that unless you are a world class player.

Pat is now being coached by one of the best coaches in the world and in one of the best backroom set ups in the world. The Maguire regime is absolutely top class - I await the supporters of other clubs arguing the contrary in the usual bitter, Wigan hating way but you would be better off accepting the reality that Wigan are back on top again and utilising your energies in urging your own clubs to try to catch us up.

Its no wonder that under Maguire an already world class player at his physical peak is in superb form.

So, I have suggested that an unquestionably world class player who is flourishing under the Maguire regime and was not only in the best form of his life but who continued at the same high standard throughout 2010 is the best player in the world in his position.

I'm not surprised that some people disagree with this statement but the reaction has been ridiculous. This is typical of the narrow minded, Wigan hating obsessives that infest this board, unfortunately.

And I still haven't seen any performances in the Four Nations by any winger that suggest I'm wrong. I await the final with interest. If someone is playing on the wing to a higher standard that Pat has throughout 2010 then they will be a truly great player.

But the same applies to pretty much the whole England team. The different class of opposition made all of them (except perhaps Roby) look worse than they do in club games.

Which does happen alot, some players can't seem to carry their club form to international games.

Sean long springs to mind, awesome player at saints but looks a little inside himself at international level.

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Sam had a poor game by his standards IMO. I think the Aussies did their homework as every time he got the ball he was immediately surrounded. Far too early to say he can’t cut it at this level, I’m sure he will, just give him time. What accentuates his poor game is the fact that everybody is expecting him to work wonders for us every time he gets the ball. He still has a lot to learn, (too greedy at times for me) but I’m sure he will learn it and continue to improve. From what I’ve heard he is grounded and has a good work ethic.

OK you're right, Ryan Hall is right up there in contention for international winger of the year

Paul Wellens is definitely going to run Billy Slater close too.

As for Danny Houghton - watch out Cam Smith.

The list is ridiculous.

Its actually pretty simple..

wigan fans wouldnt swap richards for any winger in the world..the rest of super would have richards before any of there current wingers in a heartbeat.

World class player

I was just looking at 'Player of the year' Not the rest, which is a load of bollox. I mean, Richard Agar is nominated for coach of the year ffs!

Graham wasn't even the best player at Saints or Morley at Warrington - Roby and Westwood won player of the year.

Those lists have been put together by a crack addict.