Bateman hopes Bradford bounce back

Wigan backrow star John Bateman has admitted that it will be strange going to back to Bradford as a Warriors player this weekend.

He is optimisitic that the Bulls can make a swift return to Super League, however.

“It’ll be a strange one going back and playing there, but at the end of the day, I’m a Wigan Warriors player now,” he said.

“Sadly what’s happened has happened. It’s probably nothing to do with me now, but it’s sad to see them going down after the early years, and me playing for them.

“Hopefully they’ll bounce back next year.”

Bateman emerged from the bench during last weekend’s home hammering of Hull FC. The 21-year-old came on around the hour mark, something which had been planned in the lead-up to the game.

“I spoke it throughout the week with Shaun Wane, and he said we want to ease you in and give you a bit of a rest this week,” he said.

“I came off the bench and did my bit for the team and that’s what you have to do. Everyone’s a team player from one to 17.”