John Bateman believes he is close to recapturing his best form as the Bulls bid to defy the odds and reach the play-offs for the first time since 2008.

The 19-year-old back-rower underwent a shoulder reconstruction during the winter which forced him to miss the entire pre-season and opening six rounds of Super League.

Having made a try-scoring return to action in the home win over Hull KR on March 17, Bateman has gradually worked his way back to peak form and was outstanding during last week’s cruel defeat to Wigan.

Despite the result, the teenager reckons Francis Cummins’ side can take great heart from the performance as they seek to make a late charge into the play-offs with six matches remaining.

“I’m trying to recapture how I was last year and be even better,” said Bateman.

“I played well last season but it wasn’t the best I could play, so I think there’s a lot more to come.

“I’ve been slowly coming back from my shoulder reconstruction and I’m getting back to how I was beforehand, so I’m enjoying it right now.

“Was the Wigan game my best performance of the season? I’d say so. I felt more comfortable and at home with the players around me.

“I’d say it was the best I’ve played this year and also the best we’ve played as a team.”

With Hull FC next up at the Provident Stadium next Friday, a victory for the Bulls would breathe new life into their play-off bid.

Bateman feels his side are gradually finding their best form and reasoned: “The second half against Widnes just wasn’t good enough and we let ourselves down there.

“But we showed signs against Warrington that we can compete and we put in a great performance at Wigan last week. It was just the last ten minutes where things went wrong.

“Once we get a win, I think it will kick-start us and we can go on a run, so the play-offs are still within reach.

“Hull are struggling a bit and are close to us in the table, so we need to knock them over next Friday and look to kick on from there.”

Despite his tender years, Bateman is firmly established as one of Cummins’ most important players.

Sam Wood, Oliver Roberts and Alex Mellor have followed him from the Academy into the first team this season.

“I still look at myself as one of the young lads but it’s pleasing to see so many more youngsters coming through and it holds the club in good stead,” said Bateman.

“I’m there to help them in any way I can, as people helped me when I came through into the first team.”

Bateman’s close friend Elliott Whitehead helped him to acclimatise to life in the senior team and they remain close.

Whitehead recently joined Catalan Dragons and Bateman recalled: “Elliott was there for me when I came through the ranks and he helped me out in many ways.

“People go their own ways and good on him – but I’m at Bradford and I’m focused on what we need to do here.

“I’m still only 19 and I just want to kick on and get even better because there’s still a lot more to come from me.”