Bateman set to return to action

John Bateman is to return to action for the Bradford Bulls following six months out with a shoulder injury.

The highly rated forward had to undergo a shoulder reconstruction during the off-season and has not played since the Super League win at Huddersfield Giants last August.

Bateman has resumed full contact training and will play for the Academy side at Huddersfield today

He said: “I’ve been in contact for about two weeks now and my shoulder is coming on really well. I feel a lot better in myself and am looking forward to playing again. I’m hoping for a 20 minute blast in both halves to get a nice steady 40 minutes under my belt.

“I’m then aiming to come into contention for the first team next week or the week after.” said the 19-year-old.

Bateman praised the work of head and strength conditioning, Tom Clough, physio Dan Ramsden and nutritionist David Dunne for their work with him.

“I think this is my 11th week of rehab now and I can’t thank Tom and Dan enough. They have been really good with me and Dave our nutritionist has been great with helping me get my diet right.”