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

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

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

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

Im sick of hearing 'he deserves a chance' what more chance could we give him than 22 games last season? All this oh he will improve just like pat richards did bull is annoyong aswell - Pat Richards was a class player before that nightmare season, and showed improvement towards the end of it aswell, Mathers has shown none whatso ever and hasnt shone against the likes of Leigh and Warrington Academy. I also remember him playing in the reserves last season also and he was his usual self. He cant tackle, is afraid of catching high balls, cant get past the first defender and scores 1 try in a whole season? Radlinski now, would do a better job.

He played 20 rounds of Super League last season.

not at fullback he didn't and a few were off the bench and 3 were play off games where i thought he did ok

Having Roberts sniffing for a first team place can only serve well for all our backs who know they must perform well each game to keep a place the week after.

Mathers would make a great cheerleader.

Some of the comments on here show how far this club has fallen.

Once Roberts and Pryce are fully fit, Noble will dump Mathers

Slate me if you want, but I think Pryce will take another year to get anywhere near the level of performance he showed at Bradford, and I predict he will become the new scapegoat a la Moran, Vailiki, Mathers.

From what I've seen so far he looks slow, ponderous and uninterested. He is never a centre and is miles behind Goulding in terms of being able to pass to a winger. I honestly believe people should stop building up the lad quite so soon.

I agree i expect very little from Pryce in 09, maybe a handfull of first team games at the most.

For me it is more likely to be a choice between Mathers and Phelps once Roberts is fit.

Lets see what 3 months in the 21's does for him.

The team should be picked on Form.

I wouldnt pay him in washers. Stick him in the reserves. Im fed up of his cowardly acts. He offers nowt

I love Mathers' enthusiasm when playing bu he does lack in certain areas but im all for giving him a chance for first 5 rounds.

Mathers deserves a chance IMO. As for his lack of tries, the whole team lacks tries! We have the most boring flat, narrow attack possible and finished with a minus points difference if you remember.

Maybe part of the reason for Mathers' lack of tries is down to our lack of attacking set plays. Just a thought...

Sod it, stick me in at fullback - I'm well enthusiastic you know.

We should try and sell him and buy a pair of shorts with the money

I say lets all give the lad a chance. Let the team gel and get some confidence.

We all saw how poor Wellens was in the world cup, but he's shirt is guaranteed.

Anyone who get to go to Australia to play first team rugby must have some class in them.

The guys had over a season to get some confidence how long do you want to give him?

Well he's not really been in a good strong team has. Things might be different this year.

I thought he was getting better when we started playing well at the end of the season and the play offs.

His best game was in the playoffs against Catalan. More of that please.

Personally i think hes gonna be a star for the club. If we all get behind him.

Amos Roberts became the best fullback at Wigan when he put pen to paper and IMO, should be starting there on Sunday.

Regardless of how nice Mathers is, how long he was out injured, how poor a defensive line he has been working behind etc, we need the best man available for the job. It's not personal, it is professional sport and there is no room for sentimentality.

If we signed Roy Asotasi and Brent Kite tomorrow then how many games would Fielden start? It doesn't mean he's done anything wrong but you want the best players in your squad in the place where they can have the best impact on your team.

he Didnt play 22 games last year