Quote: Last Son of Wigan "Think you're vastly underrating Bateman. He's already a game breaker. Superb in defence and attack, a natural leader and highly versatile. Can't think of anyone as good as him who's obtainable, he's not a 'run of the mill' player.'"
He's not run of the mill but it's what the team needs as well and I don't think he is world class. I don't think he is remotely close to Lockers for example. Just not got the ball playing skills or vision and yet he is often touted as the natural successor. He's more of a hard running 2nd row for me. A very good one but if marquee money is to be splashed about and it comes down to Bateman or a top class 7, we need the top class 7. Despite signing Hardaker (assuming we do) then even if we keep Bateman that will leave us with literally NO ONE to guide the team on-field now Sam T is off as Lockers only seems to play a 1/4 of the game.
If the club manages to keep Bateman [iwithout[/i making him marquee [iand[/i signs a marquee 7 then I will have to revise my opinion of Radlinski's recruitment.