Re: Richard Mathers : Sun Feb 01, 2009 9:45 pm  

Alex BP' wrote:

I just can't see any evidence that Mathers will play to the minimum standard that we expect...Can you?

Sadly not.

You can see he is low on confidence and that can't be helped by the fans giving him a hard time.

Amos or Pat should be ahead of Richie in the pecking order at the moment imo.

: Sun Feb 01, 2009 9:46 pm  

Alex BP' wrote:

I'm basing my opinion on last season and the first three games of 2009.

I'd say the best game I've seen him in was against the Widnes friendly last season but I've seen no consistant improvement.

I'm willing to give him a chance and hopes that he proves me wrong for his sake and the clubs, but I now see playing Mathers as a risk. I don't think we can afford to take risks especially when we know we've got players who can potencially play fullback at a much better standard.

I see him as a squad player, a second choice for full back who fills an important role when we have injuries/ need back up.

: Sun Feb 01, 2009 9:46 pm  

Mathers will play FB next week. Hes going to get a chance otherwise why would Wigan renew his contract?

: Sun Feb 01, 2009 9:49 pm  

Legend That Sorts It wrote:

hes a good support player

I don't think he is, Stu.

I don't think we saw enough support play from him last season and is probably why he scored just one try through out the season.

: Sun Feb 01, 2009 9:52 pm  

- Neil - wrote:

Mathers will play FB next week. Hes going to get a chance otherwise why would Wigan renew his contract?

same reason they renewed Phelps' they did not know Roberts was going to become available.

I think he will get a chance, but to be honest i do not expect too much, he has never convinced me that he is a good player. He reminds me of Dodgy Hodgy in so many ways regards his body language, he simply never looks confident and lets things get on top of him which sends him into a spiral of poor poor performance.

I hope and do think that he will get a run early doors but unless he has a great start to the season i feel his confidence will be shot and we will not see too much more of him in 09 and nothing of him beyond that.

: Sun Feb 01, 2009 9:55 pm  

Tricky Dicky wrote:

I see him as a squad player, a second choice for full back who fills an important role when we have injuries/ need back up.

if that's all then why give him a contract? their must be enough cover in the squad

: Sun Feb 01, 2009 9:59 pm  

Alex BP' wrote:

I don't think he is, Stu.

I don't think we saw enough support play from him last season and is probably why he scored just one try through out the season.

one thing though is wigan dont use there full backs like other teams, we dont bring him in to the line and put a move on for him to get a run he just seems to get the ball from a kick and from dummy half, i just wanna give him time prime example richards

: Sun Feb 01, 2009 9:59 pm  

1879 wrote:

if that's all then why give him a contract? their must be enough cover in the squad

Had Roberts become available earlier i am certain 1 of Phelps or Mathers would not be at Wigan in 09.

: Sun Feb 01, 2009 10:01 pm  

jonh wrote:

Had Roberts become available earlier i am certain 1 of Phelps or Mathers would not be at Wigan in 09.

i agree, he seem's a good bloke but having had the season he did last year, i can't see why we kept him

: Sun Feb 01, 2009 10:02 pm  

The season has not started yet and your slating the lad. The only way he will get better and build confidence is by giving him game time something he did not get much of last year. At least give him till round 6 before you write him off