As I said certain people seem to have to taken it upon themselves to protect him from any criticism. Some go overboard with the criticism and some go overboard with defending and as with most things the truth is somewhere in the middle.

A lack of criticism for Whiting doesn't make any criticism of Westerman invalid. Maybe its not "fair" or particularly balanced when comparing the 2 but taken in isolation the criticism of certain aspects of Westermans performances in the past have been pretty warranted IMO.

So this isn't overboard....

I don't think so no. He was making errors giving away penalties and missing tackles without doing enough positive things to make up for it.

Comparing his contribution to the team now as opposed to previously and yes it was pretty ordinary IMO and I don't think that's overboard at all.

For me its 100% down to Radders. Not just with Westy but with improvement in all the players and more importantly the playing system. I never doubted Westys commitment but now, playing as a true 13 rather than a Tickle 13 he's getting his hands on ball at the ruck so much earlier. And the way Radders has us set up he can go either way with "6" type players at first receiver each side. On occasions we have 3 dummy runners ! Its so hard to defend against when the oppostion really cant read which way we'll go, because were not advertising it.
Importantly Westies speed of pick up and release at the scrum base gives us a new dimension. it gives us zip from the first pass and sets the tone for the line speed when we do decide to spin it out. Its like watching a different team. He's also big enough to bend the line if he wants to. This gives us so much more than he ever did as a wide receiver.
All the players are buying into it and all I think all are improving. The system is v similar to the way Shaun Wane has his side set up and I wouldnt be surprised if Tuson has had a lot bring to the party on this. We needed a versatile 13 to make it work like Wigan have, and in Westy I think we have the best around right now.
Now we just need to improve our defence which I'm sure Radders will and I can se us pushing top 4. Radders is looking an inspired selection from Pearson far better than I ever thought he would be. Long may it continue. COYH