.



Joel was a good club player.



But hardly world class and never likely to be really.



By all accounts this kid will be.



Most of me hopes he stays at the Bulls

On Leeds forum they are suggesting he'd (atm, not his potential) be between 6th or 8th choice back rower.



Think they are underestimating his current ability imo. Ablett, JJB, Delaney, Sinifeld are better atm, obviously don't know loads about their squad but struggling to think of more?

The leeds fans will have seen very little of him and can't have if that's their opinion. He has a lot to learn of course he does at such a young age but no doubt for me that alongside Sam is the most naturally gifted forward to come through the Bulls ranks in a long long time. Like Sam he seems to have a maturity beyond his years and for me would get in the 17 of pretty much any super league side already despite his lack of experience/gametime.

To be fair that's only "Gotcha" who thinks that so don't tar them all with the same brush.



I'm happy for Bateman to remain underrated by other clubs.

It's the fans who are underrating him. I'd imagine the clubs (esp coaches) know just how good he is.

Absolutely



I hope all the other SL clubs don't rate him

Seen him out in town last night

Did he recognise you?

No cos he was drinking to many

To be fair it was only one Leeds fan. Think your analysis is correct, although Sinfield doesn't seem to count as a backrow any more and we also have Steve Ward who is an equivalent prospect to Bateman but a different type of player who might end up a stand-off.

In at half 6.. up at half 7 for work.....

Thats bigman drinking, you look like you can only handle half a pint