Didn't end well last time with Bateman but he contributed a lot to Wigan in fairness. Was part of 2 title wins, a Challenge Cup and a WCC. We also received two sizeable transfer fees for him from Canberra and Wests.

He wouldn't be of interest to us now though. If he was available there would be a lot of SL interest you'd imagine. Hull or Leigh might be the best bets.

Personally I wish Ken Davey wouldn't waste his money on Hudds and just invest in Bradford. If the right man would have taken over Bradford Bateman, Burgess and Whitehead could have all been in Bradford colours in 2025.

People talk about creating a buzz. Imagine what that would look like.

I think the longer term plan willl be to move Brad to 13 and Leeming and Forber as 9

Batemans first spell he’d be in conversation to be in our all time SL team.

2021 he was really poor. 2022 he was good not great but didn’t hit the heights 2014-2020 (Canberra included).

I still think an NRL team would come in for. Would be a brilliant signing for Leigh though, they’ve money to spend.

Personally don’t see Forber as a Wigan regular.

For me its far, far to early either way for Forber but if I where to toss a coin i'd agree with you but we shall see

I like Forber from the bits I've seen but he turned 21 yesterday and it feels like he's fighting a bit of a losing battle here for a spot. They won't move Brad O'Neill to 13 this season and I doubt they will next season and him, Leeming and Ellis have long term deals. It feels like it'll be a case where you just can't fit them all in and Forber will move on. I'd take a punt on him ending up in the Wigan B team at Salford. They're losing another Wigan produced hooker in Bourouh and he'll need replacing.

Longer term, I could see Tom Ratchford being the hooker who comes in should O'Neill move to 13. He looks a real prospect whenever I watch him play and things can sometimes be about timing and he's at an age where things could work out.

Good post and it was kind of what I was getting at. He’s a decent young hooker but the clock is ticking and he’s not going to force his way in ahead of O’Neil and Leeming. Like most things in life it’s a lot to do with timing and I just don’t see it at the moment. If he was coming through 5 years ago he may well be our starting 9 today.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... l-29224014

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... l-29224014

Fully expecting the floodgates to open with NRL moves over the next few years with the increase in clubs over there and the level of disparity in the salary cap.