Francis Cummins believes John Bateman has undergone a minor transformation as he prepares to make his comeback tomorrow.

The 19-year-old back-rower has not played in Super League since last August due to a shoulder reconstruction but he is set to feature against Hull KR.

Cummins believes the surgery will benefit Bateman’s long-term career and says the teenager is heeding his message of maximising his rich potential.

The Bulls coach said: “You can see in John’s face that he’s changed in recent months.

“He’s had to change certain things in his diet and look at himself as a real professional.

“I’ve set John some little tasks and he’s stuck to things I’ve asked him to.

“He’s taken some good steps forward but he needs to keep improving. That’s the challenge for him now because he’s certainly got the talent.”