Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying Mathers should survive in the team and be an automatic choice. I acknowledged he has faults, so try someone else at full back but don't for one minute think you've cracked it defensively because that would be a huge mistake.
In my opinion most of the team need a kick up the proverbial when it comes to defence.
I know I live in the past but an old fashioned captain like Derek Turner would have sorted it on the pitch!

What would we think to playing Mathers further up the field? Maybe packing down at 13?

I don't like it. Skills wise it's not a bad move but you are replacing best tackler with one of worst.

Hasnt got the bottle to play in the forwards...

Has BJB even been confirmed yet?

I was just throwing it out there, he would be more involved in 2/3 man tackles rather than 1-on-1 at full back.

I do like DW at loose and I don't suppose Richie could play in the 2nd row. I think i'm just trying to fit him in the side for his leadership than anything else.

Just sorting out the money.

Do Newcastle Falcons need a fullback??????

I would think, without hesitation, that you are totally and utterly out of your mind

Play him at prop instead of Walshaw. He's big enough at 6ft and 15 stone.

hallelujah, never a truer word.

Will Nick Scruton be the pack leader or Derek Turner type that is required on the pitch?

I think you need to be to follow Wakefield

I would say DW makes the highest amount of tackles (last year) but is far from the best or strongest tackler. There are many more players I'd rather see at 13 but mathers is not one of them.

Can't disagree! He's nailed on to be packing down at the back of the scrum against Catalan...

Whenever I've seen him play against us he seems to put himself about a bit. Not scared to go in one on one with the opposition's forwards.

I'm not sure you can legally be Derek Turner style any more.
Sometimes the best pack leader is just the one who leads the way. I think he'll do that.
They don't have to call the shots, though I don't think he is unintelligent.

He certainly makes the most tackles; is that because he's a machine-like defender, or because the opposition run at him more?

In attack, he certainly lacks creativity - attacking moves tend to die with him and he doesn't have footwork or a fend.

You have to ask I guess - if he was replaced at 13 with someone who made 50 tackles instead of 60, would the gain you made in attack net off the lost tackles? I suspect it would so for that reason, I'd like to see a change. Tautai or Anakin would both be worth a go.

I like DW for what he does, but Annakin offers more in my opinion.
I hope he gets a crack on his return

Its something I’ve been advocating for a while now, Washbrook tops the tackle count but offers nothing else, Trinity are effectively playing with 12 men in attack. Anyone playing centrally will also get through a high number of tackles, however, they need to be more than just a tackle bag. My ideal choice would be Anakin but whilst he is injured I would like to see either Trout, Ryan or Walshaw have a go there with Wildie on the bench as replacement hooker.

Having said that it’s not going to happen. Washbrook is a coach favourite and will be in the squad regardless. Why anyone would put him in a pivotal position at half or hooker is beyond me?

Back on topic - lets hope we do get BJB.
Greg Johnson just scored an excellent try for Salford - one I cannot see Fox or Lyne possibly scoring for us, Bishop might.
(another ex Trin player Tommy Lee just scored their 2nd - its the ex trin show)

Does anyone have any news on BJB?

Washbrook is regularly 2/3rd man into tackles and racks up plenty on the count this way. Seems to struggle to stop players one on one so hardly a tackling machine imo. I don't think he's a bad player and does a decent stint but his attack is severely limited.

Any one of as Annakin, T, Kirmond, Ryan could offer more at 13.

As for BJB I'd certainly have him on the wing position. Mathers hasn't started the season well but ended last season in a solid fashion so think we should stick with him at 1 for now..

In my opinion Annakins defense is nowhere near the level of DW. Play Kirmond there and not only are you asking him to do even more, but you also lose one of your strike runners on the edge. Personally I have seen nothing from Ryan to suggest he would improve the team dramatically from 13. Although DW is limited in attack, I would hazard a guess that those that play with him appreciate him a lot more than the paying punters!

A 'tackle' with regards the official tackle stats I believe only counts if you have had an effect on stopping the man. 3rd man in who is basically just there to slow it down does not get a tackle to his name. Or at least it didn't last time I did them!

And to add to what you say Fritzy, a few more last man in tackles from others would help.
It's those that stop the big leg pump to get more yards. Something we lack without DW.