Re. the palming the ball dead incident, watching the replay on the big screen it looked like he had more than enough time to pick the ball up and he seemed to deliberately step out of play before touching the ball. Was this a brain fart with him thinking he'd get a 20m restart ?
Anyway no harm done and apart from that I thought he had a cracking game.

That's my thinking as well he could easily have gathered the ball whilst facing the dead ball line instead it looked like he deliberately got round the back to force it dead for a Wigan restart.

Bateman gets better every game.

This young lad can go all the way to the top; he’s as hard as granite, and shows no fear for any opposition. He’s deffo one you’d want to have in your side, and not one you’d relish playing against. Let’s just hope the good Doctor doesn’t start waving his cheque book in his direction any time soon, or the wizards of Oz come sniffing either. He must be destined for a place in The Hall Of Fame if he keeps it up. I hope we can keep him for a long time yet.

No overreactions here then

Terrific player, was gutted when he left Bradford for Wigan as he always looked a top, top player in the making.

Even though it was Wigan, I really enjoyed last night. Some fantastic young players on show.

I think he's terrific, a real hard man and a great fooballer. His lack of size and possibly ball handling ability (simply not seen enough to know) suggest to me that he will be a great club player rather than the answer to England's prayers. Like McIllorum, I would not swap him for anyone in the world.

He reminds me of Anthony Wotmough, not the biggest but tough as they come with a great engine. Very impressive but if business from Wigan getting this kid in.

I think it is inevitable he will head to the NRL at some stage, he is certainly good enough to.

He's 6'1" (185cm) according to the Wigan website so not that small. He's only 20 so will bulk up as he ages too. Frightening prospect.

I think he'd be an incredible centre - I have no worries about his handling skills.

Will replace O'Loughlin eventually.

If John Bateman stays in SL with us he will be a future Wigan and England captain, yes, he's THAT good. At 20 years of age the potential in Bateman is absoulutely frightening.

Gereat player! To think it was only a few months ago people were calling for 'H' back or someone else to come in...

He's absolutely nailed on for young player of the year. Absolutely outstanding signing