Ahead of England’s Test series against Samoa, John Bateman has spoken on the squad and their collective goal.
Bateman was named to Shaun Wane’s 24-man squad after the England boss had the agonising job of cutting his 31-man Performance squad down, and now Bateman has been named in the 19-man matchday squad for tomorrow’s first test at the Brick Community Stadium.
A firm favourite of the England boss and Super League fans have been reminded why in the second half of the season with the second-rower’s loan move to Warrington Wolves proving to be a successful one.
Whilst it wasn’t to be Warrington’s year once again, John Bateman certainly had a major impact on the team as they recorded their highest league finish in three years.
Speaking to Serious About Rugby League at the media launch event for the England and Samoa series, Bateman confirmed his ‘disappointment’ after Hull KR ended Wire’s season in the semi-finals.
Asked how he’d look back, the forward said: “Disappointed, to be fair. Obviously, we had plans of going all the way and winning it.”
He would also confirm his intent to return to Wests Tigers, confirming that he still has two years on his contract and hasn’t explored other options.
John Bateman embracing familiar faces in England squad
Looking ahead to this Sunday’s first test and the general series against Samoa, John Bateman confirmed that the squad had met in the week after the Grand Final as he began to assess the current crop.
“We had a couple of training sessions last week apart from Mikey Lewis and the Wigan lads but everyone else was in, so it was good to get around the boys and see each other.”
On Mikey Lewis, with whom he came head to head with on multiple occasions during that semi-final at Craven Park, Bateman explained: “It’s part of the on-field. I spoke to him after,” as he looked to allay any potential issues.
Lewis and the Wigan players will have since linked with the squad and Bateman confirmed that it is good to be around familiar faces.
“I think if you look at the main core of the group, I think it’s been together now a while, so it’s pretty good to see everyone again obviously.
“Like I said, we’ve got two games coming up and to get that connection back together is pretty important, so yeah, it’s good to be around everyone.”
High praise for Junior Nsemba
One of those who is a lot less familiar is Junior Nsemba, the Super League Young Player of the Year and Dream Team member who is set to make his England debut.
Asked about the rising Wigan Warriors man, former Warrior John Bateman said: “He’s had a real good year. Obviously, he’s gone out and done what he’s done. I’m really excited to see how he goes.
“It’s a different level obviously at the international level. Like I said, I’m looking forward to him being in camp and getting to know him. I don’t really know him myself, I saw a little bit of him when I was at Wigan but getting to know him on a personal level will be even better.”
Nsemba has also been named to the 19-man squad for tomorrow’s opening Test and could well partner Bateman in the second-row with the former Wigan Warriors man potentially set to lead the way for the next generation.
“It’s pretty exciting times, we’ve got a couple of young kids coming in. Obviously you just want to show them the way and go out there and enjoy the camp and get the win.”
🏴 The 19-man #EnglandRL squad is in!
💪 The test series against Samoa starts this Sunday at The Brick Community Stadium, Wigan, KO 2:30pm pic.twitter.com/infi0HFqp4
— England Rugby League (@England_RL) October 25, 2024