Quote: Fatbelly "Right, but what about the long term? Where will Bateman fit in, your 11, 12, 13 all have at least 3 years in them. Has Bateman come to Wigan to be a bench player?'"
Bateman will start plenty of games. There will be injuries and this gives Wane the option of resting O'Loughlin without there being a huge drop off in quality.
I wouldn't rule Bateman out from having a crack at making a centre spot his own either. He's shown some classy touches in that position in pre season and at Saints on Good Friday.