I considered Mathers. I have to say our defence was strongest when he was at the back. Not because he was a good defender but because he could organise the defence in front of him. Grix was the same. I really hope Jowitt learns that part of the game. It will make him a superb player. Same for Hampshire to be honest.

FB role has changed during the time of Super League. Its no longer a defender or even a try scorer. Having someone like Coote or Hodgson (Hull Coach) who can manage the team is far more important now. You have to be fit too. Probably covers more ground than any other player, both on and off the ball.

Its a bit like the scenario in football. Its exciting to have a shot stopper, but its better to have a dominant character that marshals his back 4 to be able to defend well enough that he doesn't need to make as many saves.

I’m not sure I can agree on this one PopTart. I think we were on the end of some high scoring games in 2012 when Mathers was at the back and conceded less points in 2013 when Mathers missed a bit of the season and L.Smith played at FB. That’s not to say Mathers wasn’t good for us. I think his link up play with T.Smith and Sykes in attack was great. 2009 was statistically our best defensive season and it was Blaymire at the back then. I always felt most confident defensively when Blaymire was at the back. I’ve been watching some old games recently and you forget how good that 2009 team were.

I'm happy to concede that. It was my memory of Mathers but I didn't check the stars
I liked Blaymire.
I think I need to go watch some old games to validate like you.

In fairness though the forwards were more defensively sound in 2009 which probably helped Blaymire. Mathers was a good talker though and in his defence he might have been making the right calls. It could have been his mates letting him down.

Such a shame 2009 ended like it did with that poor performance in the play off game. I think we had a really balanced team that year and I felt confident of a win almost every week other than Saints/Leeds/Wigan. I think 2009 gets forgotten a fair bit but looking at the table that year it’s up there with 2017.

Although we’ve never really had any superstar FBs we have had pretty consistent FBs. I’m hoping Jowitt can really breakout this year as I think the potential is there.

Here’s to a good 2021! Hopefully some of the current squad lay claim to their place in the all time 13!

I can't remember who half the other teams' half backs even were, but I just remember feeling at the time like we had one of, if not the best scrum half in the league when we had Brough.