It's a done deal. He'd have been playing at Newcastle Knights now if not for having a young child.

Must've read the same thing on about 20 different wire threads....

Bateman played for England U18's tonight v France at Bradford tonight. He had a quiet game in an 38 - 18 win for England.

James Saltonstall played really well for England and took his try well. Ryan Hampshire was given the man of the match (a superb 50 metre try and five goals, three from the touchline) but Connor Farrell was my pick.

Thanks for the update. I thought the game was in doubt due to the state of the pitch ?

I haven't seen much of Farrell but he seems to be getting mentioned.

Bateman said on twitter that he didn't have a good game and from memory i think he apologised for his performance.

Batemans got a niggle hence a quite few days.. He apologised on twitter for the saints v bradford game. He's a good organiser and was englands captain.