I do find it quite interesting all the comments regarding Bateman's lack of size. At my former amateur club he was a year older than me, however he played in the age above due to a lack of team at his own age. Was the best player in that team at 16 years old. And anyone knows the difference in physicality between 16 and 18 year olds is huge.

The point I am trying to make is that he has always punched above his weight. All through his career. He will do so in the NRL too. Whitehead isn't that big. Yet has is a big success over there. Bateman will hold his own and be one of the best back rowers in the NRL. He's also a very hard man too, so he'll back himself when things get tough which it inevitably will.

The only thing that will possibly stop him from making the move (and it has already) is whether he'll move with his little girl and the situation around that.

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.