Wigan Warriors man John Bateman identifies the major difference between Super League and NRL

John Bateman is arguably one of the best back-rowers in the world.

After carving a reputation for himself in Super League with Wigan Warriors, Bateman decided to try his hand in the NRL with the Canberra Raiders.

His influence was so great Down Under that he was named Dally M Second-Rower of the Year in the annual awards handed out by the governing body back in 2019.

2020 proved to be slightly different for Bateman, with Covid-19 hitting and the former Bradford Bulls academy man ended up signing for Wigan ahead of the 2021 season.

From that experience in Australia, Bateman has identified a major difference in the training methods.

“That is purely the quality of the training you get in Australia due to the weather. You’re getting warm weather, the sun and it’s pretty dry so you can get some pretty good quality skill sessions in early and that’s one of the biggest things,” Bateman told Rugby League World.

“For a lot of the pre-season here, you’re in the wet and mud, on different pitches, sometimes you’re inside because the weather means you can’t do anything outside.

“But in Australia you pretty much have three months of pure skill and with it being pretty dry you can do a lot of running and get some speed in your legs.”

Bateman also called on those thinking about making the move to the NRL to get out there and do it.

“I’d tell anyone wanting to go over there to make sure they are an established player over here first and make sure you have achieved stuff and played for your country.

“Take those steps in their professional careers first because when you get over there, you’re just another player and it doesn’t matter what you’ve done before.

“But if anyone goes out there, they just need to try and enjoy it.”