He's the best young back rower in the competition. His defense is absolutely outstanding, he's hurting the opposition at 18, he'll be a monster by 23 at this rate.

OK for lower level Super League at best ... but he has severe limitations. Hurting opposition isn't really that important. He's be a liability (pace-wise) for opposition to attack. He can only really develop as a prop. Someone like Ben Currie will get stronger and learn how to use his pace. I fear Bateman is physically a very early developer and may not improve at all.

I've seen him play three times and he's been average but then i'm no scout and i haven't seen him play anywhere near the amount of times to pass a judgement on him, i'm sure Tony Smith knows a little something about Rugby though, i'd hazard a guess that he knows more than me and probably most on here.

That would be my view too.

I too have great faith in Tony Smith. That is why I would be very surprised if he ends up at Warrington.

Bateman would appear to be a workhorse. Ben Currie is a different player. I have seen him play for the Under 20's for quite a while and have been mightily impressed. He has the potential to be our best running forward since the likes of Bob Eccles and Mark Roberts. There is a lot more to his game however. He can play in a number of positions, can tackle and his execution is tremendous.If we look after him properly an International many times over..........

That is the problem; he isn't a workhorse, he has a great passing game. Unfortunately, he appears to be being utilised as a bit of a battering ram by Bradford. They need to make sure hs isn't burnt out in the next three years.

or someone else needs to make sure......

I'm just not sure

In the few times I've seen him I haven't thought 'Christ, I hope we sign Bateman'

But I'm not a coach or pundit or Phil Clarke

There's only one Phil Clarke!

I agree, Ive no problem with him playing plenty of games, but he doesn't need to be playing like a prop, which is what our LF does. His best games have come this season at SR on the left, where he's had the ball in a bit of space and he's used his strength and feet to brush or evade any would be tackle and create some space for the centre and offload it. His strength and skills are amongst the best I have seen for a teenage forward.

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I wouldn't say that, considering not too long ago he was 11 and a half stone. There's a few too many posts on this thread doubting his ability after only a few games! If he's looked after properly, I'm sure he can fulfill his potential. Him and Currie could be the long term England second row partnership.

Strong rumour now that Bateman has signed and will be a Wire next year.

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.