John Bateman v Ben Currie - a great showdown

The forwards are two of the English game’s most exciting prospects.

And their head-to-head battle is set to provide an intriguing sub-plot to tomorrow night’s top of the table showdown at Warrington.

Bateman, 22, has been in stunning form and is the 6/1 favourite to win the Man of Steel with Skybet. Currie – who hails from Golborne – is not far behind at 14/1 and is Wolves’ top tryscorer with 10.

Wane said: “They are definitely two of the best young players in our game.

“I’m a big Ben Currie fan, he is a great talent, he’s playing really well and John is killing it.

“There’s talent across the line-ups but those are two are the form players in Super League. It will be a great match-up.” Bateman was hailed by league legend Garry Scofield as “one of the best forwards in the world” after his role in last week’s 26-19 victory over Huddersfield.

It was his first game as stand-in captain in Sean O’Loughlin’s absence.

“John did a great job, I was very impressed with how he led the side, he has an air of Lockers about him,” said Wane.

“He’s a competitor, he wants to win, and he did a great job.”

Team-mates have been impressed with Bateman’s towering displays this season.

“He’s a competitor, that’s the word I’d use to describe him,” said fellow forward Willie Isa.

“He’s committed – he doesn’t back down to anyone.

“John leads by his actions, he does everything he can, he’s a selfless player and the boys appreciate that. He fights to win everything.”

As expected, stand-off George Williams has returned to the Wigan squad.