Richie Mathers: Wakefield looking up under James Webster

Wakefield full-back Richie Mathers says head coach James Webster lifted a feeling of despair in his first team meeting as head coach last month.

The Wildcats beat Leeds 16-14 to extend their unbeaten run to four matches since Webster replaced Richard Agar.

"It was like a cloud was lifted," Mathers told BBC's Super League Show.

"He sat us down and said 'I'm sick of talking doom and gloom and relegation. From this day on we look at what's above us'."

Wakefield have moved 13 points clear of the relegation places and are now just four point behind Widnes Vikings in eighth place.

Only a last-minute converted try by Hull FC to secure a draw last month denied the Wildcast a perfect start under Webster, with wins coming against London, Wigan and Leeds.

"We kickstarted it against London in horrible conditions and that game was just as important as the win against Leeds," said Mathers.

"The formula is there and confidence is high."

The narrow win over Leeds, denying the Yorkshire side top spot in Super League followed two heavy defeats against the Rhinos earlier this term

Leeds knocked Wakefield out of the Challenge Cup and racked up more than 100 points in160 minutes in successive weeks in April.

"They embarrassed us twice," said Mathers. "We really wanted to go out and put in a performance just for ourselves, for the playing group to get a little respect back."