I have just heard him say that some young man from Bradford reminds him of Andy Farrell.

Some of us saw Andy Farrell and in his first match he took over from Frano in not the kicking but in a drop out and lashed it 60 yards. I think he was still 16 or just 17 here.

To say that he is the same as Farrell who was scoring at Wembley when 18 is just confirming that some of the Sky commentators are losing or have lost the plot. Eddie and Stevo are poor and what many in our sport and others think are clowns and do us no favours. If we had the number of world class and superb bits of skill that is mentioned in every match the Aussies would never leave their shores.

It now seems (very sadly) that Phil has also lost the plot. His metre maker whatever hasn't helped, stick to the actual game stats and a picture does emerge but I don't suspect what will be built into his model will be the need for the referee to try to level out the penalties. Just take last night, first half Saints second Catalan.

Coming back to where I started Phil get your brain into gear and do not try to equate an ordinary Bradford lad with Andy Farrell it makes him look ridiculous for no reason and his mates will be giving him some unecesaary stick tonight unless he has the arrogance to go with it.

Please Phil get things sorted and do not get associated with Wigan as this causes the present team problems from other fans that you make, probably unintenonally but it happens.

I think it's just because he looks like him. Which he does. Chill out bro.

If you think that Phills Metre Maker is a bit over the top wait untill they unleash the latest High Tech device to disect all things Rugby League.
It is being said that a new technique for choosing the man of the match is due to be unvailed.
Wait for it, It is a CLAPOMETRE WITH MULTI COLOURED SWINGING PENDULEM.
I am being a bit sarcastic there,but the sad thing is if Sky want it it will happen.

Young Bateman IS an outstanding young player and was the mom for England U17 v AIS at Leigh in December. Another Farrell, I don't know but I'd have him at Wigan in a flash.

Stop it, there's no way a player from another club can be as good as one who plays for Wigan. Outrageous suggestion.

What Phil Clarke actually said: "John Bateman reminds me of a young Andy Farrell"

What the OP obviously heard: "John Bateman is clearly every bit as good a player as Andy Farrell was at his age"

Can't say anything these days

I think you need to cut out your caffeine intake

t wanting to heap expectation on the lad, but I think he has the potential to be the best LF this country has produced since Hanley. The try he scored aginst AIS, reminded me very much of a Hanley type run.

What is the likelihood he will be at Bradford in three years time?

Agreed , hes on big bucks at the Bulls for one so young

He turned down a bigger offer from Warrington of around £40k and a car (he was just 16 at the time, so not much use!). How long he'll stay with us I don't know. He's a great prospect but it's a bit early to compare him wityh Farrell.