For every negative there is a positive. Even though Bateman has gone it means more oppertunity for the likes of Addy, Donaldson, Roberts, Mellor and Olbison to play consistantly. Who knows one of them might surprise us this year.

I agree with eddievan. We have lost three young players in the last few months. Whitehead, Naughton and now Bateman. I must be out of touch here as I can't really remember him being world class or winning games by himself. All I remember is an injury prone lad who does behave poorly off the field. Same with Whitehead. Yes they all may become stars but at this moment they are all just potential - but with serious attitude problems. Bateman is the best of the three but he will have a shock when Shaun Wane lays down the rules over at Wigan. I don't see this being just a Bulls problem but a general problem with too many youngsters and their awfull attitudes. Other teams also lose players. Wigan have lost so many youngsters to Union and NRL. Leeds have just signed Hulls winger. Its disappointing as many fans will now not buy a ticket. I am disappointed because of the time and money we have invested in him but if he wants away then fair enough.

So we've lost another of our young players.

But the thing is, this was always on the cards. Not just Bateman or other academy lads, but any player at the Bulls is on the radar of the clubs above us.

We've failed to make the play-offs for 5 years. We've sailed dangerously close to going out of business altogether. Of course players' heads are going to be turned if the champions come knocking. Who's wouldn't?

Player loyalty is, quite frankly, a myth. A player's career is a short one. Granted, some players break the mold like Beaver did, but for most 10 years is pretty much the sell by date on their playing time. Player HAVE to do what is best for them and their families. Players like Bateman especially, given his injury record. He's yet to make a full season at senior level without picking up a serious injury. Who's to say he'll even complete his 3 years at Wigan?

Players are going to want to achieve things. They want trophies, international call ups etc. And as it stands, they're not likely to get those at Bradford. A few years down the line, that may have changed, but right now, we've not as attractive an option as a Wigan or a Warrington and I really think so fans need to get some perspective. We were champs, but that was a long time ago. We've fallen from grace, hard, and there's a lot of work that needs to be done to arrest that fall and take us back up.

What by staying the whole season?

I wonder who else made enquiries, during the mess of 2012 he had around 10 NRL clubs after him.

Well I've just parted company with £450 for my ST's, if next season goes like last Season it'll be the last time for me! It's becoming a shambles run by well meaning people. Bateman isn't the be all and end all but it is very disappointing non the less. Just out of interest what did we actually get out of these last three transfers?

Oh and if a particular member of his family stops going to Odsal (and I imagine they will) there goes my reliable source on game day!!

Think all that's spot on

Did everyone see the comments Bateman put on twitter when wages were paid late in the summer.It was obvious he would be off soon with some of the things he was putting for everyone to see,and it looked like he was getting lots of encouragement from his mate Elliott

I just wonder how many more will have gone before the start of next season? Is there a rift within the ranks? The undisclosed fees thing is a copout for me, smacks of us getting very little for them and a little embarassing!

That makes a good point.

Another youngster with great potential gone. It's getting very frustrating watching our young talent leave the club.

Im glad we kept Addy TBH. All three that have gone seem like billy big balls.