So just read an Article on Total Rugby, where Burgess said he spoke to Bateman about possibly coming next season as we are losing Nicholson.
This rings alarm bells for me and the first dodgy decision from Burgess so far.
This screams of old times where players got picked on former Glory, rather that their actual current form and performances.
I hope to god he goes back to Aus and we put faith in Holroyd and our younger guys.

Id heard Bateman was off to Souths - shocking signing if we end up with him.

What a way to ruin my weekend right before it starts

Without getting hyper cliched, this season's 'trial' could simply be a combination of 'try before you buy' and a 'marriage of convenience' given Fitzgibbon's injury and Nicholson's transfer (and one that applies to both parties).

A lot depends on whether Fitzgibbon's race is (permanently), run, but if we can get an injury free season from Fitzgibbon on current form I'd be taking a punt on Holroyd over Bateman.

Not a fan of signing Bateman for next year on big bucks. Rather have Holroyd to be honest like most would.

Unless of course he rips up trees till the end of season.

Was that another of his “cast iron going to happen 100%” just like all the others that never happened?

Nah I think he just had a love in for him.

I see that our man in the know (Abe) ) has reported that Oli Leyland has now signed up for next year on a 2 year contract. We await the confirmation from the club.

Where has he said that?

Here.