Podcast: BTR Episode 15 with John Bateman

On episode 15 of Behind The Roar we chat with English international John Bateman ahead of Friday’s match against Canberra Raiders.

Behind The Roar is available on Apple, Spotify and YouTube.

Bateman played two seasons with the Raiders, making the grand final in year one and preliminary final in his second season in the nation’s capital.

But now, the ‘unconventional’ right edge forward is right at home at Wests Tigers, and is keen to make an impact.

We cover plenty of ground over 40 minutes, as we get to know what makes this proud Englishman tick.

He tells us how much rugby league has helped him grow as a person, and how the greatest game of all helped put a ‘difficult young boy’ on the 'straight and narrow'.

We talk about his introduction to Wests Tigers and why he waited until Round 3 to make his club debut in heatwave conditions at Belmore.

“It’s was a fantastic welcome for me and my family," he said.

I can’t thank the club enough for the way they have looked after us.

John Bateman

“The fact we weren’t winning games was tough, but knowing that we had a plan and we all knew what we were trying to achieve as a group kept us focussed.”

Bateman is optimistic about the second half of the season.

“The more we get into the season, I think you’ll see more individuals produce what they can, like Star (To’a) did against the Cowboys.”

John also opens up about the sacrifices he’s made in moving to Australia, and leaving family behind in England.

It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do but it’s a decision I made to benefit my family long-term.

John Bateman

John admits he was a bit difficult as a child and says rugby league, and family, have given him so much.

“The game has been so good to me to be honest,” he said.

If it wasn’t for rugby league, I don’t know where I’d be.

John Bateman

“My mum and grandparents have been a massive part of my life.

“If I didn’t have good people around me I don’t know what I would be doing today.”

A back rower with an unorthodox style, one who might dart down a two-metre blind side at Leichhardt for example, Bateman says he’s always been a little adventurous.

I like to play what I see and I always back my own ability.

John Bateman

He also identifies some of the intricate details in defence that make such a big difference to the outcome of games, highlighting some of the work of defensive coach, David Furner.

Bateman acknowledges it will be a tough mission against his former club on Friday, and that’s just how he likes it.

“I’m really excited, I’ve not been in this position before,” he said.

“I’m really looking forward to it, they are a very good team and I have a lot of mates there.

“We pride ourselves on being one of the best packs in the league, no doubt about it, so this should be a great contest.”