he's not shown up well in SL so far, i can't speak for the others above, but since he 'broke through' into the first team, i've not seen any performances to make me go wow.

And i'm not just saying this as it's a wigan signing, when we were linked with him since their money issues i said at the time, i was somewhat puzzled at where his talents lay as he was less than impressive.

PErhaps FC has been misusing him in the first team, but i've not seen any spark or small glimmers.

Fully agree with this post, he is definitely not an 'outstanding talent'

The reality probably falls between yours, Cat and Rogues's posts?

From the very limited viewing that I have had I wouldn't swap him for Currie, but, think that 'our lad' has had the benefit of developing amongst a winning team, a pack at the top of their game and of course under the watchful eye of TS.

Bateman's progress since bursting on to the scene on the other hand has probably been burdened by the opposite. He's a decent player with bags of potential IMO and the change might just do him good

That is my view. Lots of talk about this ability but a long time since he has caught the eye on the pitch.

I rate Bateman highly. Bradford did him no favours by playing him when injured.

He does need to settle down though, if Wigan can find him a permanent pitch for his caravan it may help.

He has all abilities, he just hasn't ever been in the best shape of fitness, so he comes across as being average.

once the pies get him into shape he could well be another player they sell to Oz for a wonga payday!

His deal includes sharing with Charnley.

Bateman and Charnley are starting a new business venture that involves fitting PVC cladding, covering drives with tarmac and selling dogs.

Bateman’s got potential. He’s got good hands and is stronger than he looks. His progress has been hampered lately by injury. There’s some suggestion that he hasn’t looked after himself as much as he might. He’s still a kid and a bit easily led and certainly not the brightest. He needs to develop good habits and I think he’ll have a good chance of developing those at Wigan. The ups and downs at Bradford haven’t helped his progress at Bradford but then I think he’s been hyped up a bit too much. I’m still not sure whether he’ll become much more than a half decent SL player.

Whats his actual position BE? i always thought he looked a LF, but in most occasions i've seen him play second row, build wise, i didn't think he looks big enough for that and looks more like a sinfield or dare i say it a dean busby 13.

Shane McMenemy, there's another similar player.

thats what i see anyway.

Come on, Mark. You're slipping. you forgot the sidelines of pegs and lucky heather.

I'd be round the DW every week, looking for a tax disc in his car. Wont find one, though.

I bet he's in the employee of who getdownmonkeyman has in his avatar.

It's not too olong ago, 18 months is it? that 'we' were quite keen on the lad...

Under a top coach, in a stable environment I think a few on here might have to reconsider their 'appraisal' based on what, half a dozen games and a bit of tittle tattle.

I'm not sure where he will rank in the Wigan backrowers?

Hansen, Clubb, O'Loughlin, Farrell, Hopkins, Pettybourne.

I do think he has great potential but like someone said before Bradford used him as a battering ram and often when he was injured. I suppose there isnt a better cub to go to at the minute if you want to progress. Potential NRL signing in 2-4 years if he can get game time and make the impact he is expected to.

Bateman is very much the same type of signing for Wigan as Russell is for us.

Although dare say he is costing them more.