Quote: Phuzzy "Good post. So much so, in fact, that I won't argue except to say Bateman is playing in a winning team whereas Lockers wasn't and you only win medals as a team (hence the usual Ricky Bibey comments when medals get mentioned.) He won nothing before coming to a team already winning trophies.
That aside, I'll respect your opinion, even if I disagree with it, and say if he goes on to be as good as O'Loughlin, as you seem to think he will, then I hope it's with Wigan. Sadly I don't think it will be though.'"
Thanks Phuzzy.
You're right, Bateman is playing in a stronger team than what Lockers did; let's look at that point, wouldn't it be fair to say it's easier to be named captain in a weaker side? Let's look a little closer at that 2006 team; Rads making a cameo, Calderwood brought in from Leeds, Richards (his first season perhaps?) Vaealiki, Hock, etc. Lockers hardly had much competition really did he? Not compared to the calibre of today's team, which you rightly said is a 'winning team'; pretty fair assessment.
You spoke of how Lockers has always been made a captain etc, yes he was (as discussed above) only to have his captaincy stripped in 2010 and replaced with a 'leadership' team in 2010 as Madge stated the squad lacked; dare I say it... leadership.
So what other team coach are you referring to? Probably England, or are you? after all Lockers was only made captain after the retirement of Sinfield/Peacock around 2015/16 when Lockers was into his 30's, so I don't know how this strengthens his case to state he was a better player than Bateman at 24.
See; facts can be used to argue for and against the same player.
As you say Bateman is in a stronger team than Lockers was in 2006, so wouldn't you say Bateman had more competition to be name the players player for two seasons on the bounce? Surely it's harder to be considered the player who's had the best season in a stronger team.
I stand by my original statement. Hopefully you now see my case.