Would be a welcome addition. Can't see it if we re-sign Ferres though

Well Achurch is going, Delaney can't possibly last another season (and if he is still at the club then he's going to be lucky to make a dozen games), JJB isn't a front line back row forward anymore, Ablett is sliding downhill and starting to pick up a lot of knocks and there is no guarantee Ward is going to come back as strong as he was before the injury. And, nothing coming through the academy for a couple of years.

Bateman to replace Delaney, keep Ferres as we lose Achurch. Back row of Bateman, Ferres and Ward looks pretty good to me with Ablett rotating. Must get a hooker though, no point in signing anyone else until we get a hooker.

Bateman won't join Leeds though, he's got a months ban at Wigan and then will return to them and probably win MOS

dream on if he leaves wigan its to go to nrl

I don't dream of rugby league players.

Of course he won't join Leeds, somewhere in the Australian bush there is a big, injury prone NRL flop with a Leeds contract for next season.

I've already established that there is effectively no transfer market in SL between the top clubs and that's been the case for over a decade. And yes, I realise Leeds are no longer a top club in terms of their current WBSLR ladder position but I'm sure you know what I mean.

Bateman seemed to have a proper, visceral dislike for Leeds when he was at Bradford. Fair enough, he's a Bradford lad. I know money could change things, but it's not like he'd be short of good offers elsewhere, quality player and complete grub that he is.

He hates Leeds, there's no way he'd sign for us. He'd be a great signing for any team

Agreed, nowt wrong with a bit of Leeds hating. He's a talent, we knew this when he still played for the bulls, IIRC we were sniffing round when it was obvious he was on the outer at them, however I reckon hes at the perfect club for his skill set and attitude and I cant see him leaving.

Terrific player, horrible human being. Stay well clear, there are plenty of others that can be just as good for us without the baggage.

Batmen hates leeds.

The feelings mutual.

Really? Who?

Well I'd say, Oliver Holmes, Ben Currie, Joe Greenwood, Mike McMeeken, off the top of my head. Maybe not quite as good as Bateman (although I'd say Currie is) and all young and British. Of course you could argue if we could actually get any of them but I don't believe that we would ever sign Bateman either so that's a moot point.

Batman.

Only Currie is anywhere near the standard of Bateman.

That's a bit harsh on Holmes and McMeeken, both who are quality imo. Greenwood is well on his way to being as dirty as Bateman as well.

Currie is the best second rower in Super League and will walk into the England squad for the four nations. McMeeken has all the tools to be an England international as well and if he keeps developing under Powell he will be in the squad within the next three years.

It's probably fair to say that Bateman is the best if those players listed, but not by a huge margin. Currie is in my opinion almost as good whilst Holmes and Greenwood are a little bit behind. McMeeken has huge potential and if he fulfils it will be better than Bateman is at the moment.

I think even that short list of players off the top of my head shows there are other alternatives the Bateman if we are prepared to look for them. FWIW I don't expect us to sign any back rowers for next season other than retaining Ferres on a new deal.

Stevie Ward is also better than Bateman.

I think Currie is about the most exciting talent in SL at the moment. But probably not as vital to Wire as Bateman is to Wigan. FWIW I'm not sure Bateman is big enough for international level. Stevie Ward is not better than Bateman, though he has the potential to be. He also has the potential to be a leader on par with Sinfield. The others mentioned are also works in progress but have the size that Bateman lacks.

Don't need to add anything else.

Agreed, Bateman is too small to really make it in International football, however given that he (currently) plays for Wigan, I'm sure that he will pick up plenty of caps. It's a shame he is such a plank as I think there is a very capable domestic level player in there.

I don't agree Ward is ahead of Bateman either, it is a shame he has had the injury setbacks because he was developing at a good rate and was in the frame for the test series at the back end of last year due to top form. We certainly miss him.
He is still only 22, if he can get over the injuries who knows?

I have to say McMeeken has really impressed me this year. His 6"5 frame also makes him a real prospect for the international scene if he can keep improving. And i also agree that Currie is looking the business and on current form should be a pick for the 4 nations team.

Don't get me wrong I like him but he's clearly not developed as quickly as Bateman due to some of the issues you mention.

Bateman would be an outstanding signing for Leeds on the field. He really is a terrific young player and looked a real shout for Man of Steel a few weeks back.

If Leeds want to get back to the top quickly then signings like him would help massively (if his head is right away from the field).