Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Jun 03, 2020 4:51 pm  

JIMMY MAGNETS wrote:

Bateman tackles above his weight imo and is if not more effective in the tackle as say clubb who is alot bigger and heavier. I dont think Bateman size is a problem at all doing fine in the nrl against much bigger opponents than in super league

It's not all about what he does on the field, it is about what he does on the training ground, his presence in the dressing room and his will to win at all costs.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Jun 03, 2020 4:53 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

I’m not anyone could find clips of any loose forward, anywhere in the world playing loose forward in the style of Sean O’Loughlin anymore because they don’t exist. He’s a throw back Lockers and he has been an absolutely amazing player and if we’re thinking we can try and go like for like with his replacement then I’m stumped who they will be.

In terms of who is the better player pound for pound in the here and now, then I think Bateman wins pretty comfortably. That’s not a criticism of Lockers (Bateman would kill to have half the career and be half as skilful) but one player is 36/37, with a body that is struggling to cope and the other is a 26 year old in the absolute prime of his career. Is Bateman a loose forward? Not currently but he’d be the best back row forward in this league by a distance if he came back, regardless of him playing second row or loose forward. He’s one of a very small number of players IMO where position doesn’t matter too much. You just want his influence, his desire, his drive and will to win in the team. He’s a player who can get an extra few percent out of those around him.

I think that is spot on. JB does have experience of playing at loose forward, as well as stand off, so he does have ball handling ability.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Jun 03, 2020 4:55 pm  

Itchy Arsenal wrote:

They don’t exist because coaches don’t want players who can lose possession trying something not done on the training pitch.
I’m not anti Bateman but as I’ve said several times already Farrell Isa and Bateman wouldn’t work. If Bateman came back then for me Farrell would have to go and if I’m honest I’d take Farrell over Bateman every single time. Farrell is a rugby player and Bateman is an excellent athlete

You would have Isa over Faz?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Jun 03, 2020 7:20 pm  

JonnyBroad wrote:

If he signed for saints or leeds what would you say?

Good luck to them, if they want to tie up a big chunk of cap sight unseen then fair play to them.
Big risk but a good move if he fully recovers, mugs if he doesn't.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Jun 03, 2020 8:37 pm  

Didn't Bateman have a couple of shoulder reconstructions when he was at Bradford?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Jun 03, 2020 10:29 pm  

Sweaty Betty's wrote:

I would be fizzing. It is possible to build a clause into a contract to cover the eventuality of serious injury.

Me too, if we can sign him without too much financial problem i would be made up to have him back.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Wed Jun 03, 2020 10:38 pm  

Sweaty Betty's wrote:

You would have Isa over Faz?

I’m working on the assumption that we couldn’t afford both Farrell and Bateman

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Jun 04, 2020 12:29 am  

Itchy Arsenal wrote:

I’m working on the assumption that we couldn’t afford both Farrell and Bateman

Ah, I thought it was based on rugby ability. With Lockers, Tommy, Gildart, Flower, Escare, Sharrock and possibly Burgess out of the picture I don't think money would be a problem.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Jun 04, 2020 5:50 am  

Sweaty Betty's wrote:

Ah, I thought it was based on rugby ability. With Lockers, Tommy, Gildart, Flower, Escare, Sharrock and possibly Burgess out of the picture I don't think money would be a problem.

Cap space wouldn’t be a problem but physical money might be. We’ll have to wait and see I suppose but I’d be surprised if big money was thrown at anyone by Wigan for 2021.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Thu Jun 04, 2020 9:50 am  

NickyKiss wrote:

Cap space wouldn’t be a problem but physical money might be. We’ll have to wait and see I suppose but I’d be surprised if big money was thrown at anyone by Wigan for 2021.

I agree I just don’t see a statement signing by the club next year,cloth cutting comes to mind with,who knows at this point, no prospect of season ticket money coming in But time will tell