Not sure if you watch the NRL but I think it isn’t a coincidence that both play for Canberra who play a very expansive off the cuff style.

It isn’t a particularly successful style for the NRL but it is great to watch and both the English lads are great in that system.

England play like Wigan slow methodical uninspiring stuff. You are never going to see the best in these quality players in that system.

As for Bateman, great SL player. Would be totally out of his depth in the NRL due to his physical limitations.

Can’t blame him for having NRL aspirations however I don’t think they would be long lived and he would soon be back.

Bateman would be a massive success in the NRL, He makes up for his lack of actual size with how hard he works. He will be an absolute superstar over there and if he does go I wish him all the luck in the world, never gave anything less than 100% for us

Whitehead has taken on and done well in the NRL, Bateman hasnt played in the second row in the comp , hes been the 2nd best centre for England for me.

Centre is now our worst position from an England point of view. Watkins goes hot and cold in Superleague but has never lit up an international. Percival is very good at SL level but is overlooked for a 2nd rower at international level.
My point about Bateman is that in my opinion, there isn’t a better English 2nd row than him in the squad (discounting Burgess) and if he were to be picked there, he’d go very well. Whitehead has indeed been successful in the NRL but like Watkins hasn’t shone in an England shirt so far.

jon is right, Whitehead and Hodgson are terrific for Canberra, so to say that they are are ordinary at international level is a bit unfair. It clearly comes down to the difference in coaching and tactics.

If England were half as good a watch as the Raiders...

Apart from wing, with only two selected and one at risk of suspension.