England and Wigan Warriors star John Bateman eyes move to NRL

[josie andrews]

ANOTHER English rugby league star could soon be on his way to Australia, with Wigan forward John Bateman expressing a strong desire to test himself in the NRL.

The 24-year-old, who featured in all of England’s World Cup matches last year, says it was his experiences during the tournament that reinforced his goal to play Down Under.

He’ll have a terrific chance to showcase his skills to NRL scouts when Wigan face Hull FC in the first ever Super League match played outside of Europe on February 10 at WIN Stadium.

The Warriors will also tackle South Sydney in a double-header at ANZ Stadium on February 17, with St George Illawarra doing battle with Hull FC in the other clash.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/englan ... 035ae4e6e2

[fozzieskem]

In fairness to him and the club it was always built into his contract the email they sent out to fans a couple of years ago clearly stated this,what always bemused me why people thought he wouldn’t st least try it down under?

[Josie's friend]

I always expected him to take over from Lockers at loose forward, since Sean is showing no sign of vacating that position and John has been used as a utility player you can understand him leaving.
I hope he does well in the NRL, he clearly has the talent

[JUKESAYS]

I always expected him to take over from Lockers at loose forward, since Sean is showing no sign of vacating that position and John has been used as a utility player you can understand him leaving.
I hope he does well in the NRL, he clearly has the talent

So batemans only leaving because lockers isn't retiring and he's being messed about as a utility player?

:eusa16:

Ha Ha!

[Barney841]

I know we’ve said about resigning former players isn’t the best thing for the club(me included) but I’d have Bateman back if he decided to come back in a couple of years.
I know he wasn’t the best last season, think he might of been carrying an injury, but the other two seasons before that he was exceptional one the of the best players

[Josie's friend]

I always expected him to take over from Lockers at loose forward, since Sean is showing no sign of vacating that position and John has been used as a utility player you can understand him leaving.
I hope he does well in the NRL, he clearly has the talent

So batemans only leaving because lockers isn't retiring and he's being messed about as a utility player?

:eusa16:

Ha Ha!

I never said that, I started off by say "I always expected". If he goes it's because he has the talent to go further, I just think he hasn't been able to establish a preferred position because he's been used as a utility player.

[JUKESAYS]

I always expected him to take over from Lockers at loose forward, since Sean is showing no sign of vacating that position and John has been used as a utility player you can understand him leaving.
I hope he does well in the NRL, he clearly has the talent

So batemans only leaving because lockers isn't retiring and he's being messed about as a utility player?

:eusa16:

Ha Ha!

I never said that, I started off by say "I always expected". If he goes it's because he has the talent to go further, I just think he hasn't been able to establish a preferred position because he's been used as a utility player.

Anyway stop hiding behind other usernames

So in 4 years I wonder how many games he's played at centre as opposed to centre? As far as I'm aware he played 1 game last year at centre (last game at Wakefield)

Anyway, if I thought your statement about Bateman was funny your accusation of me hiding behind other usernames is a million times funnier!

Who am I supposed to be?
This should be fun!

[Josie's friend]

If you notice I deleted that part straight away because I misread your username but you strangely enough added it back in 6 minutes later.
So jog on and try starting an argument with someone else.

[old hooker]

If he decides to go then good luck to him.Of course we dont want to lose good players bu he cannot be criticised for trying to better himself both as a player and financially.

[Wigan_forever1985]

I think John will go do a couple of years and come back injured - probably to us, I hope I’m wrong but I think batemans put a huge amount of stress on his body from a very early age and his style isn’t that of someone who can play into their 30’s imo he is a brave player and he runs far above his weight

Like I say I hope I’m wrong and he has a long and decorated career but I feel at some stage his body will start to break down