In attack he brings a lot to the team, but and it’s a big but his one on one tackling is none existent. Not watched every game we've played in the last year or so but I can not recollect a single one on one try saving tackle by Mathers. Can anybody else?

He may make more than he gives away but I’m old school the fullback should be able to tackle

Alas there are not that many fullbacks in the game that have a good attacking and defensive game.Mathers does some good things on the attack but is lacking in the defending side of the game.I ask who is out there that would serve the side better than Mathers does and we could get/afford and would want to play for us.Alas we would struggle to find one that would be a better option.

(well lets help it along then

)

I think there are quite a few fullbacks better than mathers in SL and there is possibly two better at our club.
I would suggest both Lee Smith and Paul Sykes would give us all the attacking options that Mathers provides
and as far as one on one tackling and taking high balls, I can't see them being any worse.

I do agree with vastman that he has had a number of quality coaches but still hasn't seemed to nail the basics - which is confusing more than anything.

I'm also confused why, although I don't think the guy is anything special, he was ousted by Millward when we are similar to wakefield - we have rarely (in the last 17 years) had a specialist fullback. Our last one was... probably Flowers or Bloem??? back in SL 4/5.

I think he wants to win and is a great competitor but I don't think his heart is in it - which stands out like a sore thumb in our game. He wants to win, but wouldn't sacrifice his body for it.

I don't think for a minute he is scared of getting hurt, but whatever it is, he gives the impression by his pattacake tckling that he's not keen on the physicality

heyup dave how can you say hes not scared of getting hurt but isnt keen on the physicality mmmmmm//

I watched the highlights of boxing days game and I saw him not even attempting to run after the ball to kill it. I am not a huge fan of mathers but he does the job for now.

My comments were that Holland and blaymire though excellent in defence had no pace and wand were unable to add to our attack

I never mentioned mathers pace or lack of

That said

IMO Richie has pace, a lot more so than some of the other SL fullback out there

I don't think you can get into Super League by being scared of getting hurt. I think he lacks confidence in his tackling, so the physical aspect of defending is an issue

People say he "marshalls the defence"....I tend to disagree, I think on the line he makes sure he has cover so he doesn't have to risk putting his body on the line if there's a crash ball.

Not cause he's scared of tackling, but he knows he can't defend 1 on 1

im really sorry to get started on this subject again ', but my view is if a player thinks he cant defend 1 on 1 number 1 is not the shirt for him

agree 100%. At Least try these two as fb during pre-season

In my opinion all opinions on Mathers on here are correct! He's one that really does split opinions. I like him coming in to the line in attack where he can be like an extra half back but when he needs to put his body on the line in defence by dropping on a loose ball with boots and arms flying about then for me he tends to bottle it where s the likes of Cockayne and Fox will go that extra yard for their team mates. Mathers is also very good under the high ball and is a great communicator. I'm happy to have him but wouldn't be majorly disappointed if he wasn't with us. His vast experience in playing at the top level for so long can also only be good for the squad.