Bradford Bulls: Bateman called into England Elite Training Squad (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford Bulls: John Bateman called into England Elite Training Squad

3:20pm Monday 4th March 2013 in Sport By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

Bulls forward John Bateman has been invited to train with England’s 30-man Elite Training Squad as the national team begin their preparations for the World Cup later this year.

The squad will meet up at RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire over the weekend of March 16 and there will be a further four camps throughout the year including high altitude training in Potchefstroom, South Africa at the end of the domestic season.

Bateman, Leeds rookie Stevie Ward and Warrington’s Ben Currie have all been invited to the first camp, giving the former England Academy trio the opportunity to experiencing training at the elite level.

England coach Steve McNamara said: “They are part of England’s future and opportunities like this will benefit the lads in their Rugby League development.”