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).