: Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:20 pm
IMO the problem with comparing FB is that most players specialise in being either an attacking or defensive FB and therefore people will always pick on the weaker factor in their game.
For me Radders is the best defensive FB for the last 15 years, worldwide and in either code, yet attack wise, as I once heard a flat capped wiganer say 'that lad radlinski cud't be't a wheelie bin'!!!
....Radders redeemed himself by being IMO one of the best support players in the league which brought him the majority of his tries, but still wasnt much special as an attacking player...and therefore probably brought about his critisism. Though that said I would always rather have a great defensive FB even if he couldnt attack.....after all your FB is akin to a goal keeper in soccer whos main job IMO is keeping the opposition out...not scoring and creating chances.
Even comparing rads to wellens is beyond a joke IMO, and thats not just my wigan bias....as has been pointed out multiple GB coaches thought so and wello never got a chance for GB when rads was fit.
Wello isnt even in the top 3 FBs in SL now in attack or defence (even without radlisk)i IMO.
Looking at the best FBs in super league I would say;
Top 5 Defensive SL Full Backs
1. Webb
2. Richards
3. Briscoe
4. Wellens
5. Tony
Top 5 Attacking Full Backs
1. Greenshields
2. Webb
3. Briscoe
4. Hodgson
5. Wellens
For me brent webb is clearly top....but wellens isnt even anywhere near either as an attacking or defensive FB. IMO he is nothing better than 5th best FB in the comp now
