In my view Mathers is in a much better league of ball catchers than Tomkins.

Tomkins' skill is all in his attack, not his catching or defence.

Is it just me or does letting the ball bounce appear to have become accepted practice in SL? In recent seasons, it seems to me that the majority of kicks are allowed to bounce, rather than the other way round.

I agree with you though - it's a horrible, heart in the mouth moment when the ball takes an unexpected bounce and squirts towards the sideline or an on-rushing defender; it usually results in a repeat set, a soft try or your own player throwing his body on the ball and getting smashed to bits.

I'll give it you for loyalty, however never in this world is that the case. Tomkins isn't even a F/B by trade but he looks super confident under the bomb compared to 10 year veteran Mathers. Yep he misses a few but that is because he actually goes for them all.

I'm happy enough with Mathers but let's be a little bit realistic here. For me the best F/B in SL is still Wellens, yep he lacks pace as does Mathers but apart from that he's text book.

Possibly, not many obviously good F/Bs at the moment, can't believe it's coached. If you knock on so long as you kill the ball the worst is a scrum, let a ball bounce and it's a 50/50 that the opposition will get the ball and almost certainly score. However Mathers more than most let's it bounce or leaves it to the winger (without his prior knowledge) when it is clearly his ball to claim and that part of his game he can and should sort. The rest is just the rest as is the case with most players.

Just looked up the stats to be all smart and prove the knockers wrong but his tackle to missed tackle stats are aweful.
I am switching sides.

I still like him over all but he ecratinly needs to improve that part of his game.
Unfortunately Sykes is just as bad.

glad this saga is over and mathers as signed, yes he did have some faults but what is the off season for? to improve his game and his weaknesses! he's played for some quality teams with great leadership, he as far more strengths than weaknesses! get off his back a little.

Is that it for player signings? Or do you think we are due one of two more surprise signings maybe Bobby Goulding Junior and another prop?

thought it might have been fergie. they have been talking to him i hear. not wanted at hudds along with a bandy legged centre who is busting to get back to wakey?

Where would Fergie play ? he certainly wouldnt get the nod over the players we already have.

Same with Murphy, they wouldn't be automatic choices.

Don't think either would add to an already well balanced squad. Think another bargain price prop would do us as we were lucky with injuries in the pack last season and Ferguson is a second row so doesn't fit the bill. Hope the rumours are false.

I'm a bit puzzled if Ferguson is being considered - he was good at times but hardly a star for us and I don't think he is good enough to force his way into our present back row. I was sorry to see Murphy go I thought he was RW and B but he chose to go - again I would be surprised if he is on the list.

Jason Netherton at prop on a 1 year deal?

Going to Oz I think.

Very much doubt if Ferguson is being looked at a all, someone on here said we were looking at a former player and then the names followed from there, Murphy came up because of his lack of game time at Shudds.