JOHN Bateman insists he is no centre, despite holding down the number four shirt for England in their autumn internationals.

The former Bulls back rower was pressed into service at centre for Wigan for the last three months of the 2015 season, including the Grand Final, proudly made his Test debut in the makeshift role against France and kept the shirt for the three-match series with New Zealand.

With England regulars Joel Tomkins, Liam Farrell and Sean O'Loughlin standing in his way of a regular back-row spot at the Warriors and fellow former Bradford players Elliott Whitehead and Brett Ferres providing formidable competition in the national team, Bateman was happy to fill in, although he is hoping it does not become a regular occurrence.

"It was good, really good, you are playing for your country aren't you," said Bateman, who used to play for Dudley Hill. "Obviously at the back end of the season, playing in the centre in a Grand Final, I did enjoy it. You don't have to do as much work, do you?

"But I'm not a centre, well hopefully not. If I fill in there again this year, I'll fill in, but I want to play in the pack this year, front, middle or back row.

"At Wigan you've got to be at your best to get in. Obviously you've got me, Faz, Joel and Lockers, four people who would fit in any team. That's one of the best things about it, we've all got to make sure we're at the top of our game."

If the 22-year-old Bateman is to force the hand of Wigan coach Shaun Wane and get his wish to establish himself in the pack he knows he needs to increase the size of his wiry frame, but that is easier said than done.

"I've been doing some extra weight sessions and stuff like that with (conditioner) Mark Bitcon, " he said. "He's got a training programme for me. It's going really well in pre-season.

"It's just one of those things. You just have to train as hard as possible and obviously eat the right stuff. You can't really be going to McDonald's to try and put weight on because you won't be able to move on the pitch. It will eventually come. I think I am gradually getting there."

By his own admission, Wane has played Bradford-born Bateman more frequently than he wanted, acutely aware of the danger of burning out the promising former England academy captain before he reaches his prime.

However, Bateman, who has missed only seven matches since making his Wigan debut in the 2014 World Club Challenge against Sydney Roosters down under, hopes to become an ever-present as he seeks to build on a memorable season in 2015.

"I want to play whenever I can do," he said. "I'm feeling healthy and fit and everything is good with me. I want to play every game if possible.

"It was a good year last year, something that I probably didn't really expect. I just wanted to get my head down and crack on. Now I want to kick on."