Probably club bias on my part too, but I would say the same about Stevie Ward.

These 2 plus Greenwood all look to have great futures ahead of them.

It's not terrible but it still is a comparative weakness vs Mannering/Taumalolo/Taylor/Proctor/Harris/Eastwood/Ma'u

Forgot Taupau/Thompson/Glenn/Frank-Paul. Kiwis really do have backrowers coming out of their wazoo.

Bateman is one of those players who stand out in Super League, but would disappear at international level. He's too small to be an international backrower. The same goes for Farrell, but he doesn't even stand out in SL.

Ward, Greenwood and Currie look like the future, although I'm not convinced Currie wouldn't make an international centre.

Bateman has been very impressive when ive seen him this year, got a wicked side step on him and puts in a load of tackles, not surprised the NRL clubs are taking a close look at him

Wardle also coming into his own in the 2nd row now after switching from centre, but hes with Scotland for now with Brough.

And you know this how?









Have you even watched Wigan lately?

I don't need to 'know' it. It's an opinion. You are of course entitled to disagree with it. I have no objection to you being wrong.



No, has he turned into the ginger Hanley over the last month or so?

Ben Currie's played for Ireland before now, not that it makes much of a difference.

Greg Bird isn't the biggest player but makes up for it with heart and passion,two things Bateman has in abundance.

He's stronger than he looks and is awesome in defence,absorbs a lot go forward from much bigger guys than himself when tackling.

Bateman doesn't play with any fear and plays the man not the reputation which is exactly what you want against the Aussies and Kiwis, his battles with Jamie Peacock when he was only 18/19 proves this.

He will play for England and will do a very good job too.

Never mind just play for England, I reckon Bateman could be Captain in a few years.

Westwood and Lockers could well be retired by the time of the 2017 WC.

Conversely there is still time for a youngster or two to emerge

You dont half talk some cobblers

Bateman did a fairly decent job knocking Peacock and Cuthbertson around the park last weekend. In fact i cant remember him being overpowered by anyone in any game i have seen.

Not to mention the lad is nearly 6'2......

Again, you dont half talk some rubbish

I know your just a troll and i am slightly peeved that i was d to reply.

But i tell you one thing

you talk an absolute pile of horse dung mate. I actually cringe when i read some of the guff you have puked onto your keyboard

Bateman the same size as Sean O'Loughlin? He must have eaten a lot of pies.

Bird is not big but he is 102Kg and 1.83 tall.

Sean O'Loughlin is 103Kg and 1.87 tall

John Bateman is 99 Kg and 1.89 tall

I said height, not size and it would appear he is actually taller.....

Bateman has more than enough height to achieve the bulk and muscle that Lockers has.

SL at a similar age was like a racing snake