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.

John Bateman? He must be getting on a bit now!

Did anyone honestly see this coming?

Before this signing people were already talking about our current U 19's as a potential 'golden generation'. When you then factor in a guy like Bateman who by all accounts has just as much potential as any GB kid out there we really do have a plethora of young talent.

I can't wait to watch guys like Faz, Bateman, Taylor and Hopkins turn into top SL players.

Lets hope we are scouting for the next top hooker as it's the only area we don't have the 'next big thing' ready to step up.

Chuffed to bits!

He also had a terrible rat tail thingy but I fail to see what either his political views or terrible haircut have to do with how good a Rugby player he is.

If he stays fit he will be a very good signing for Wigan , far better than Clubb for starters.

Hang on, I'm thinking of Alan Bateman.

I did post this last week, was told about it last Friday. Didn't see it coming before then though. Excellent player who will develop ten fold at Wigan under our coaching regime

have no idea what the starting packs going to be next season, surely the youngsters aren't just going to wait around for their chance.

think this is a very good signing he will get plenty of good ball playing in the wigan structure and can do some damage out wide

That was Mr Bateman, this is Master Bateman..............sorry couldn't resist

If we are sticking with a 14 team league and London go to the wall, with all the players we've got don't you think we should have 2 teams in the competition.

Just when I was starting to like him!

What a strange post, both love and hate all rolled into one

Should a 18-20 year old be playing a full season, he's still developing as a man/player ... He will get the best possible path for his development at Wigan.

Unless the U19 rules change (which I wish they would) some players are going be idle for too long unless there is some really good well planned squad rotation.

I think one of the easier ones is Burke and Lockers. Lockers is our eldest back row and has struggled a bit with injury this year so it would make sense to protect our best player by giving Burke plenty of game time.

What is hard to see is who of the incoming players is going to be good enough displace H and Faz in the 2nd row. H at 28 is hardly old and is in fact reaching his peak and offers the kind of experience the younger players need on the pitch. He was also outstanding in both finals particularly the GF. Faz at 23 also had an excellent season. Both automatic choices for a first team slot. The bench slot is going to be very precious.

I think he has shoulders made of biscuit similar to Mossop so expect him to miss a few games, I can't remember the last game he played for Bradford due to his injuries

LENAGAN OUT!