I'm here to help, says Bradford Bulls ace Bateman (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

I'm here to help, says Bradford Bulls ace John Bateman

6:30pm Wednesday 2nd January 2013 in Sport By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

John Bateman believes he is ideally placed to help the Bulls’ latest trio of young guns through the ranks.

As someone who has burst into the first-team in fairly spectacular fashion, Bateman will offer advice and encouragement to Sam Wood, Oliver Roberts and Curtis Naughton.

The 19-year-old said: “The talent Sam, Ollie and Curtis have is unreal and you couldn’t ask for three better players to come into the first-team.

“It’s just about getting to grips with the first-team environment.

“It wasn’t long ago that I was in the same position as those three.

“I can help them along and give them encouragement.

“I get some enjoyment out of that because I’m good friends with all three of them.”