As cover for Hampshire?

Welcome back pemps!!

I agree unless there is proposed player movement within the club at the end of the season.

Admittedly I’m not one of Bateman’s biggest fans however, with minimal thought I can think of several players who for me are/were far better than Bateman namely Andy Farrell, Liam Farrell, Hock, Fletcher, Betts, Tomkins, Hansen and Isa.
His first season in the nrl he was impressive but for me a fit athletic player but with very limited attacking abilities.

That would be my preferred route particularly if/when Nsemba and Walters are the second row pair.

I don't think I could include Isa and Tomkins (assume you mean Joel?) in your list, Itchy. I wouldn't dispute the others, though.

Joel's first spell puts him right in the mix. Phenomenal player pre union

I presume Itchy means Sam. If that is the case then I agree. I have not seen a better fullback at Wigan than Sam and I have watched this team for a long time.

Meeither mate but hes on about back rowers compared to Bateman so surely he means Joel

I thought Joel was great before his departure to union. For me his all round game was much better than Bateman.
I did hesitate before naming Isa but thought what does Bateman offer what Isa cannot do? Both fit, athletic and committed whilst both offer limited attacking options. That’s not criticism of either player but for me is a summary of both players abilities.

John Bateman was right up there IMO during his first spell for us. I wouldn’t have him above Betts, Hock or Liam Farrell but I would put him ahead of anyone else (in Superleague) in terms of his overall contribution. You could make a case for guys like Hoffman and Fletcher being better but they were only here for a short spell. I’d personally leave Andy Farrell out of it, with him being used usually at 13 and then that spell at prop.

Still doesn’t change my mind that we’ve had his best days now and we should (and will) stay well clear.

Fair enough mate. Joel was a very good player.

The Mikey Lewis rumour was from a fake Twitter account claiming to be Shaw, nothing in it at all I don’t think and where would he fit in?

Yeah, it’s been a blessing in disguise.

Joel remains the single best example I can name of the detrimental impact a spell in Union can have on a quality RL player, and it's a high bar given what happened to Henry Paul and Iestyn Harris.