John Bateman on his Wigan Warriors role in 2021

The returning forward has been handed Sean O’Loughlin’s old No.13 shirt, and admits he would love to also succeed him as skipper.

But he also understands Adrian Lam has several other candidates for the role.

And Bateman, 27, says having the (c) next to his name on the teamsheet won’t change the way he conducts himself on and off the pitch.

Asked whether he would like the Wigan captaincy, he replied: “Who wouldn’t want it?

“If someone said they wouldn’t want it I’d question why they are here at his club.

“But I think players like Sam Powell and Liam Farrell, they’ve been here since they were kids and if they were given it I’d be happy for them, it’d be a dream for them.

“I’m not saying it wouldn’t be a dream for me, either, I would love it.

“But I’m going to be playing a leadership role here regardless of who’s captain. I want to help the team win things and I want to help the young players progress.”

Bateman says is honoured to get the Wigan No.13, which has only been worn by two others players in Super League – legends O’Loughlin and Andy Farrell.

But he admits he would prefer to stay on the edge, given the choice.

Bateman has made a name for himself in the second-row, even winning Dally M backrower of the year in his debut NRL campaign.

And while he would be happy to play any role, he said: “When I first got to Wigan, Shaun Wane said I was a future 13 – for me that meant making more tackles!

“I’ve played back row the majority of my time and over there I proved myself and got the backrower award, that’s what I’d like to continue doing.

“But if someone says can I play in a different position, even every so often, then that’s fine. I just want to play.”

While squad numbers are often an indication of someone’s position there are exceptions – Bevan French, for example, was No.6 last season but played the entire campaign at full-back.

And executive director Kris Radlinski says it is up for the coaching staff to decide who will succeed O’Loughlin as loose forward.

Given the position is interchangeable with props these days, they are not short of options.

Tony Clubb, Morgan Smithies, Joe Shorrocks and Ollie Partington have all started games in the role.

And second-rowers Willie Isa and Liam Farrell could also move into the spot.