Because we have higher standards than the other clubs he was at.



Look at his downhill career progression since 2009...Wigan...Wire...Cas...who's next, Widnes?







Nonsense. No team buys a player just for their goalkicking. In any case, you had Briers, Bridge & Westwood, all pretty decent kickers.

Do you Remember Frano Botica??

The reason why Wire fans won't admit he was the weak link is simply because of the circumstances of Mathers joining the club which means they'd have to admit that they got the cacky end of the stick at the time.



At the end of the day Warrington chose to demote him by signing Hodgson because he does not meet the standards that Warrington expect from a fullback.



Get over it.

Yes, a stand off or winger, much underrated by fans of other clubs, made a massive contribution to arguably the greatest team of the modern era. File under "Legend".

If that is a serious comment, I suggest you re-start your Rugby League education on page 1 (of the Beginners Manual, that is).

Richie was quality for Leeds then took the opportunity to play in Oz was looking good then had a serious injury that stopped him short, his confidence was shot and Wigan didn't help it.



He came to Wire because (rightly or wrongly) felt unloved at Wigan, he came to us and yes, had the occasional brainfart but I've seen the greatest players do that (remember Kiwis win v OZ, Billy Slater)

He was integral to our success (whether Wigan like to admit that or not) and had 2 great seasons with us and helped improve the confidence of all those around him.

Tony Smith's paid to win games and when he realised Hodgson was available couldn't pass up that opportunity, he wanted Richie to stay as he was well thought of at Warrington.

Richie wasn't forced out, he's an honest lad who just wants to play rugby.







Wrong, he was 'demoted' simply because Brett is a better player than him, if Wigan signed Billy Slater do you honestly think Tomkins would get the No.1 shirt? Of course he wouldn't, that's not a slight on Sam like it wasn't a slight on Richie but the sheer fact is unless you're the No.1 player in the world in your chosen position then there's always the risk of someone else coming in and taking your place.



I think what irks the Wigan fans is Mathers was, in the main, a very good player for us and Wigan fans need to 'get over it'



Leave the lad alone, he doesn't play for you any more.



Bloody Hell Wigan fans

Where would have Mathers have played had he stayed at Warrington this year?



A. We wouldn't look to replace Sam at fullback.

B. If we did, he would still be a key player in the starting 13.



You replaced Mathers at fullback because he wasn't deemed good enough.



Why is that so hard to accept

I do.



I also rember Andy Farrell, Danny Tickle, Joe Lydon, Eric Ashton, George Fairburn, Laurie Gilfedder, Punchy Griffiths, Colin Tyrer, and of course Pat Richards. I'm not quite old enough to remember Jim Sullivan.



None of them were signed for their goal kicking, so what's your point?

He'd probably get the No.6 shirt back instead. He'd be in our 13 somehow

Sam is a bad example, he's not a specialised anything yet, Mathers is just a fullback and yes he would have been an understudy had he stayed.



A. It's an example, don't take me so literally, plus in this hypothetical world you're telling me you wouldn't have Billy Slater over Tomkins if the situation arose?



B. Because he plays more than one position, if he was just a fullback (which Mather is) and nothing else would Sam be happy on the bench? No, and IF in this hypothetical world which i speak of Sam wasn't playing week in week out then he'd want to leave.



The reason for the hypotheticals is to counter your point of 'deemed not good ENOUGH' which like i said previous is unless you are No.1 in the world then everyone carries that label, you make it sound as though 'deemed not good enough' is a failure on his part and that Warrington deemed him rubbish and surplus to needs when it simply isn't true.



IF Mathers had another string under his bow (Stand off or Wing) he would still be here now.



Warrington treated Richie with the respect he deserved and he politely declined what was offered him and went to a club in which he was their No.1

Mathers was an International stand off for England Academy and played therea few times for Wigan U20's so yes he did have another string to his bow.



Let'e be honest, for all his back slapping, enthusiasm and high fives he is a very average player.