Bateman ready for first team return
Bradford starlet John Bateman is ready to return to first team action after scoring a hat-trick for the Bulls academy on Friday.
Bateman, 19, crossed for a hat-trick in a 46-16 win at Widnes, as a curtain raiser to the first team match which finished in a 22-22 draw.
The homegrown back-rower underwent a shoulder reconstruction of his right shoulder during the off-season, ruling him out of the first six weeks of the year.
He said: “I’m ready to play for the first team in Super League now.
“I felt fit on Friday and have done for a few weeks to be honest. It was great to get out there and play some rugby again. I’m definitely ready to go for Sunday now.”
Bateman made 17 first team appearances for the Bulls last season, having made his debut back in April 2011.
