Sam Burgess hails John Bateman growth at Warrington Wolves

Sam Burgess said when he signed the England international to a short-term deal that it would take time for his role within the side to become clear – and there are signs that said process is moving along.

In the eyes of many, Bateman enjoyed his best game in a Warrington shirt to date against St Helens at the weekend, showing the kind of tigerish defensive qualities that have become his moniker while displaying signs of a good understanding with his right-edge colleagues.

With Lachlan Fitzgibbon suspended for this week’s trip to Huddersfield Giants and the status of his recurring shoulder issue currently unclear, Matty Nicholson looks set to move from bench to starting 13 again on the left edge for this week at least.

As such, Bateman looks set to carry on over on the right, where Burgess feels he is starting to show what he can do.

John Bateman looks to escape the attentions of St Helens' Waqa Blake (Image: John Clifton/SWpix.com)

“I said earlier that it might take him a couple of weeks to find his feet in the team, but I think he’s been really consistent over the past three weeks,” the Wire boss said.

“He’s finding himself and getting used to our calls and systems.

“He’s really comfortable out there – he’s good mates with George and they’re playing out on that edge together which has been good for him.

“He’s a quality player so I expected it.”

Bateman’s addition merely bolstered a pack that, when everybody is fit and available, has a real depth of quality and variety.

Naturally, Burgess would like that to be the case when the play-offs come around but is continuing to be relaxed about the prospect of fitting everybody into the side.

“We’re trying to work out the best 17 and how the rotation works within it, but there’s always an injury or a suspension to throw in there,” he said.

“It all works itself out.”