Heard yesterday that RM is set to leave, anyone else heard anything?
Of course im jumping in both feet first, but the RUMOUR that BJB is coming might facilitate this if (either are) true.

Oh you've started it now!

I think his contract is up at the end of the season.
As long as we were able to get a decent replacement, even if we decide that is Sykes, I'd be ok with it.
He has more pluses that he is given credit for but he clearly has defects in his game as well so happy to let him go if that's the decision.

He'd probably get a gig in France right now

Would be surprised and happy in equal measure if this were true

Not part of the 'get rid of Mathers' gang but given the choice of Richie or BJB I would have to go for the latter.

Solid in defence and a good turn of pace - scored plenty of tries for the Rhinos. Would be a fantastic addition to our squad IMO.

As I said on another thread Agar said yesterday that BJB has agreed to stay at Leeds. So BJB is not an option (per R Agar).

If Mathers leaves I'll wish him well. I do see it as an opportunity to tighten up an area on defence. We might lose some of his go forward but we have 12 other players on the pitch to provide that.

As the last line of defence we need someone solid in this position.

a picture speaks a thousand words

I didn't realise until I saw the highlights but Mathers put the pass in for Sykes try. Nice pass.

I don't believe rumours until bazz as spoken on the subject.

It will be interesting to see how far this thread runs?

It certainly does. His neck is huge.

Adds nothing to the debate but It just made me smile, looks a bit Mr Bean ish.

I'd be disapointed to lose Mathers. Full backs like goal keepers sometimes they drop clangers or have bad runs of form. But usually they are as good as the defensive line in front of them. He's not going to match Washbrook for his tackle count but its horses for courses. So he dropped a couple of high balls pre season, so what? I'd rather he did it in pre season it happens to the best of them. Yesterday he played well as the team in front of him did. He's exerienced and he organisers the back line positionally. The same back line that has changed every game so far this year.

For some the grass is always greener, we could do a lot worse.

I'm with you malpalu ...... but there seems to be a small group of "supporters" who have it in for Mathers.

The replacement would have to be better, and I haven't got a list tripping off my tongue

Weighing up all the pros and cons, and with only the current squad, I think we would be worse off without Mathers at the back.

Fullback is a tricky role, Mathers is a bit up and down but last season I thought he was one of our best players. I also remember when Lee Smith played FB and struggled which made me appreciate the role Mathers plays.

I don't see anyone in the squad who could oust Mathers and I also think Richie will improve as the season goes on

aslong as you say he isnt leaving??

Seen him play good games and bad some times he needs to put his body on the line and it don't look like he will at times.I think Mathers needs another player who can play full back breathing down his neck to keep him on the boil so he don't have the comfort of he will be a certain on the team sheet.If he goes good luck to the lad and if he stays we wil have to live with what we have.By the same token I have seen BJB drop some clangers as most full backs do from time to time.

Id of thought Mathers would be trying super hard to get a contract?

I for one hope he doesn't go, its the grass is always greener syndrome. yes I cursed some of his defensive qualities including the ones at wigan- but all the talk of bjb etc etc ... well he makes as many if not more mistakes than mathers, I ve seen him on a regular basis. Lets play sykes at full back or sjeka (who we ve never see play) etc etc
Why not sign brent webb he s a proven full back with an international reputation .... what no takers after yesterday really am surprised

I suppose the rumour will run until its confirmed or denied by someone in the know , on his ability there are more qualified than most on here who have made their minds up, in the past .( TITANS  WARRIORS , WOLVES TIGERS )  

The opposite of this is the picture of Mathers jumping on Tautai's back after his second try. Sorry haven't got the picture but remember him doing so.

I just wish Mathers had Gary Spencer's 1 on 1 tackling ability. Mathers makes some great yards from acting half usually around the second or third tackle. He spots that regularly and relieves lots of pressure. He also joins the line well and has given some great passes for try's including Sykes against Catalans. He seems great around the dressing room and the camaraderie from him and the players is pleasing. I think he's good to have around.

Some of his weaknesses show up like saw thumbs a bit like when a keeper in football makes a mistake, it usually results in a goal. He can be frustrating to watch and his last ditch tackling is poor. But you don't play at the clubs he has without having good qualities!!

Certainly a player who evokes great discussion!

I don't think anyone could say he has ever lacked passion at wakefield and has in the past been very good for us, particularly the season we made 8th he was instrumental.
Recently though his confidence seems to have taken a battering and does not seem the same player, although I thought he had a good game on Sunday.

All the best to him whether he stays or leaves.

Takes a certain kind of strange and obstreperous personality to be a decent fb, just like a goalkeeper - you're in a team, but often isolated and one of the few players who's individual errors can be highlighted as leading to a score for the opposition. That takes some intestinal fortitude and a certain arrogance - both of which Mathers has in spades.

On balance, I think his net contribution is positive and his teammates must shoulder some of the blame for some of his defensive bloopers, just like they reap the rewards when he joins the line and sets up a try. It's quite difficult to bat for him at the moment as he seems to be low on confidence and isn't always bending his back, but I'm not sure that there is a better option; Mathers - the ultimate Marmite player.

"obstreperous"

Great word Bren! Gold star.