Bateman prepares for clash with former Bradford Bulls team-mates (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

John Bateman prepares for clash with former Bradford Bulls team-mates

6:00am Saturday 23rd March 2013 in Sport By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter

John Bateman will return to the scene of his debut tonight to face a Catalan side featuring a quartet of former Bulls stars.

In April 2011, Bateman made his bow in a hard-earned 8-8 draw against Catalan at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.

This time he will line up against a Dragons side featuring Leon Pryce, Ian Henderson, Olivier Elima and 39-year-old Steve Menzies.

“I played 20 or 25 minutes two years ago and it absolutely poured down with rain,” recalled Bateman.

“I missed the trip to Catalan last year, so it will be good to go back there and play this weekend.

“Steve Menzies was here when I signed on at Bradford – and a few of the lads are saying he made his debut before I was even born!”

Bateman learnt plenty from playing alongside Elima before the France forward rejoined Catalan during the winter.

The teenager said: “Ollie is a very tough player but very skilful too. I gained a lot from playing with him last year and it was the same in training too.

“To come up against him this week will be a tough ask because he’s a good player. It will be great to see him – but you’re not mates when you’re out on the pitch though.”