Wigan Warriors WILL be champions in 2021, insists John Bateman

The forward - back after two years at Canberra - has no doubts next season will be successful for the club.

“We’ll win it mate. We’ll win it,” predicted Bateman.

“I’ve no doubt about it – for me, I don’t sign for a club and think we’ll be second best.

“I want to win every trophy we can this year and people will say I’m being big headed and stuff like that, but I’m confident in the squad we’ve got.

“I wouldn’t have signed there if I didn’t think we could go out and win it. That’s what it’s about. It’s about winning.

“I really can’t wait to get started.”

The 27-year-old was speaking to Betfred after the bookmaker was confirmed as official partners of the men’s, women’s and wheelchair England teams for the World Cup at the end of next year.

Bateman, who played in the ‘17 final loss in Australia, will reunite with new England coach Shaun Wane, his former Wigan boss.

“To know I’ll be with him again will be good, I’m looking forward to linking-up with him again,” he said.

“Playing in the 2017 World Cup was the pinnacle of my career and it’ll be good to get on home soil doing it.”