Sam v Shaun

[yoda warrior]

Radlinski was an outstanding player, the bravest i've ever seen. Don't think he had anywhere near the x factor of Sam though.

[pedro]

Just to add another dimention to the debate...anyone agree that Kris R was a better full back than either of them?

I think Kris was a great seervant to the club but somebody who achieved what he did despite of not being blessed with supreme talents. Attitude and effort over skills.

But he had pace, hit like a train and was always there, what I want from a fullback.

[cpwigan]

In today's game Rads woud not have been ideal FB material. A FB like Phil Blake would have been superior in this day and age than Rads.

[pedro]

In today's game Rads woud not have been ideal FB material. A FB like Phil Blake would have been superior in this day and age than Rads.

he would. he tackles hard, safe as houses, pace and run good lines. We could have sam in the halves for the x factor.

[cpwigan]

In today's game Rads woud not have been ideal FB material. A FB like Phil Blake would have been superior in this day and age than Rads.

he would. he tackles hard, safe as houses, pace and run good lines. We could have sam in the halves for the x factor.

Sounds like a centre Pedro. Rads could not have played like a second stand off with all the 2nd man plays that were non existent in his day.

[pedro]

you mean you dont think he could pass from the runaround?...he played centre so his hands werent an issue.

Also sounds like a second rower....

[cpwigan]

you mean you dont think he could pass from the runaround?...he played centre so his hands werent an issue.

The best fullbacks these days have to have the passing skills of a halfback. Rads never had and if you ask him he would tell you that. He was an end runner of moves or a set play runner like catching chip kicks.

Rads was limited in terms of natural RL skills. He got where he got through effort and dedication. A Billy Slater or a Sam tomkins he never was. Phil Blake, Henry Paul, Amos early 2010 were all better attacking full backs.

[Panchitta Marra]

Edwards beat men PM but as a half back his primary job was supplying others. He had a very good chip and chase too. Again it is not something you use too much whether you are Sam or Shaun. Passing to men in a gap, directing teams around Edwards was in a different class to Sam but that time may come later in his career. In a previous post I mentioned a young Henry Paul, a young Henry was a very different player to the Henry post 26 years old. They may as well have been different players. A young Henry was even better than Sam in terms of balance and evasion BUT he was a very inferior half back to Old Henry, hence he played FB a lot like Sam is now doing.

I would disagree with the point where Edwards beat men CP, as he very seldomly did, especially one on one.
His runs were more sidewards than forwards, where he utilised his passing game.
Sam playing in the same Wigan side with the then talent against opposition where many teams were only semi proffesional would have shown what a freakish talent he is.

[pedro]

you mean you dont think he could pass from the runaround?...he played centre so his hands werent an issue.

The best fullbacks these days have to have the passing skills of a halfback. Rads never had and if you ask him he would tell you that. He was an end runner of moves or a set play runner like catching chip kicks.

Rads was limited in terms of natural RL skills. He got where he got through effort and dedication. A Billy Slater or a Sam tomkins he never was. Phil Blake, Henry Paul, Amos early 2010 were all better attacking full backs.

but not very good defenders as Hodgson showed at the HJ. Slater has an all round game. Next you will be saying Mathers was a better fullback than Rads as he has some ball skills.

[cpwigan]

Now lets not get carried away Pedro

I think FB has changed as a position. It was changing from the days of Mumby/Burke and Fairbairn to the days of Rads and Wellens. Defensively and catching kicks I would argue those qualities are now more important at Wing than FB. If I had a small skillful outside back I would be looking at him more as a FB than win these days.

Rads was a true competitor but he will have played with umpteen juniors who never even made it to the Pro level with far more natural talent than Rads ever had. However, in terms of attitude and effort, Rads was a champion.

Sam T is a better modern era FB than Rads would have been

Interestingly, Rads pick Edwards as the best 6 he has played with.