I honestly don't know what the future will bring for the players you've mentioned. I just don't see Bateman in the Lockers role. He's a different player, I think they're both fantastic talents who offer a lot, but have different skill sets.

Bringing Burke back after being out on loan is very positive for Greg, who knows what will happen with injuries and poor performance over the next few seasons, things will change. We've had quite a few players come and go over the past few years in the pack (Eric, Pettybourne, Hughes, Patrick etc) all of which were brought it but didn't live up to expectation.

Like every other player who knows what will happen with Burke, Joel, Mossop, Charnley, Goulding all came back far improved after loan spells.

Going back to the NRL "clause", it's been a few years but back when Bradford were in administration (the first time) one of John's close relatives told me he had about a dozen NRL clubs make enquiries. (Said relative sat next to me at Odsal)

For someone who was sold to Wigan without him knowing, John certainly landed on his feet!

MOM at Leigh left centre his best side said Mac when he trained him at bradford.

After that performance yesterday I imagine McNamara is in a quandary. I think he wanted to play Hardaker at left centre and Sam at fullback next week. Even allowing for the quality of France yesterday, what does he do now? Bateman must play IMO. Hardaker had a good first half but went quiet in the second and Sam hasn't played in ages. I await his team selection with interest.

You won't see a like for like replacement for O'Loughlin. There just isn't anybody available that has such an all-round game. Bateman is as close as you will get.