Wigan for me seem to see Bateman as the new Messiah now O'loughlin has gone. Their game plan on Friday seemed to be, "Give it to Bateman and let him get us out of this mess." He is a class player but over reliance on him will make them predictable and knacker him much as it did O'Loughlin.
Yep no doubt. I like Bateman but it was a bold move promising him the marquee spot if he ever returned to Wigan. Fair enough they have freed up some cap money booting Burgess and O’loughlin retiring but still. Wigan have some promising youngsters but we know better than any club how things can go either way with promising youngsters. If Wigans youngsters stall they could easily turn into a one man team. It could be Bateman running around carrying a bunch of kids who, A. Aren’t yet ready. Or, B. Not good enough.
screaming in the family corner, scaring the kiddies
If they over play Bateman as well , his shoulder injuries may begin to resurface as well if hes being expected to take on a big work load.
I wouldnt be surprised to see Wigan spell him over the course of the season. Bit like the last guy to wear the '13 shirt for them.