Signed from Bradford for an undisclosed fee.


At a guess he'll be taking the bench back rower spot that Tuson had this year.

www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/news__vi ... se-bateman

www.bradfordbulls.co.uk/news__vi ... se-bateman

Looks like you guys have signed John Bateman from us for an undisclosed fee according to our local reporter. If true absolutely gutted and you guys have signed a future star. Future England Captain IMHO

I'm all for having a big squad but ANOTHER forward? I know he's highly rated etc etc so we must be losing one or two more?

Excellent bit of business a real quality player already who could go on to be anything he wants in the game.

Has the potential to be a future Wigan Captain.

Great bit of business by the club.

I would still like 1 experienced Prop, but our pack next year is looking very very strong. We also have real quality that is going to be sitting in the stands.

This move may well see Pettyborne at Prop.

Didn't see that coming, thought he'd already signed for the GF losers.v

The rich just get richer

Fantastic signing though, nice one IL!

Terrific signing - great to see we are willing to spend our transfer cash when the right player becomes available.

If we could bring in a experienced player for the left side of our back line - it looks a complete squad.

quote from Rads on official site

''Our succession plan for the back row already includes, O'Loughlin, Hansen, Farrell, Hughes, Burke, Hopkins, Clubb and now Bateman and there will be great competition for selection- a very healthy situation for Wigan."

i take it as read then the Pettybournes playing prop

AWESOME!!

As a Bradford fan I'm disappointed to lose another young player but it seems both clubs have reached an agreement that they're happy with. His season was wrecked by injury again last year but if he can have a good run he has the making of an international back rower.

Top class signing!

I cant pick a winner next year. Wigan, Saints, Leeds, Huddersfield and Wire all capable with the squads they have.

That's an excellent signing, IMO, assuming his shoulder has healed OK. Competition for places is always a good thing, as is cover for injuries. I reckon he'd be pretty near top of the list if a replacement for HH or Faz is needed.

Excellent signing! Made up, he will add some creativity to our back row.

That's a big IF on Bateman's injury record. Yes, I know he's been highly rated at academy level and is still young enough to shake it off and go on to do great things in the game and I'm sad to see another of our academy lads turn his back on the club. But he's yet to manage a full season without picking up a long term injury.

If Wigan can keep him fit, you've got a potential future captain on your hands, both of club and country. If not, well he's your problem now.

Oh, and he supports the EDL, make of that what you will.