He would make a brilliant open side flank forward (not sure if my terminology is up to date?) but anyone from Union would take one look at him and conclude that he isn't big enough, which of course, would be a mistake.

Couldn't really see John fitting in with the public school types in any case. Much better to stay where he is loved.

I suspect you're right.

They tried to play Andy Farrell and Sam Burgess in the centre, and though it hardly turned out well, they don't seem to be in the habit of learning from their mistakes.

I can just see them playing John out on the wing, and genuinely not expecting him to get bored within 2 weeks.

Another terrific performance so far from JB.

He is one outstanding rugby league player.

He is just such a good and smart footballer. Earlier in the season (and last year), when he was playing in the centres, some people were saying, he's never a centre in a thousand years. I'll tell you what: if he had a full season playing there (not saying he should, of course), I reckon he could be one of the best centres in SL by the end. He has all the skills, and he is still improving all the time.

John Bateman is a quality, young, tough player and I thought he played outstanding as Wigan captain today (baring in mind its probably a lot for a young forward to take on especially at a club such as Wigan). There was doubts about his size on here and he has definitely showed them size only contributes to so much, talent, hard work, mental and physical toughness as well as a rugby brain will take you further and this is what he bring to the Wigan team.
Whats more freakish about him is he is 22 year old and is still not fully developed. There is more to come from him as aspects of his game can be improved. Looks like a replacement for Sean O'Loughlin and once his body matures and finally settles into the back row (Loose Forward probably) Wigan will have a class talent in their squad that is if the vultures from down under snap him up.

He's just a natural league player. I've said this many times but what impresses me most is his rugby brain. He doesn't seem the brightest off the field but put him on a rugby pitch and he's just a natural. He gets in great positions and just seems to have an instinct for what's happening around him.

This is what marks out (potentially) great players from the rest. Gelling and Sarge don't have a rugby brain between the pair of them. Bateman does. Budgie does. Lockers has one. It's trait that stand out.

I wasn't suggesting that he should, or would want to, play centre. Just that it would be within his capabilities to make a success of it. Like most here, I'd like to see him as an eventually replacement for Lockers. I daresay he would, too.

We just need to hang on to him!

How anyone can criticise gelling and sarginsons contribution this year is beyond me.

On his day, Gelling is our most dangerous strike-player.

The occasional bainfart is permissable if for the rest of the time he does what he's done most of this season, which is terrorise the opposition's line.

I also think he's got a very good pair of hands, though I will admit that my heart is in my mouth when he runs the ball one-handed.

Proud moment for John and Dudley Hill last night, phenomenal young man and one of the most humbling things about him is wherever possible hes down at our club watching his brother. Well done John

Watching him in our team this season was like watching Trent Barrett when he was here. He see's and does things that almost all the other players on the team can only dream of. If he isnt in contention for MOS this year then it will be a travesty

Fingers crossed we can keep him for a very long time