England forward Bateman returns to boyhood club Bradford Bulls for 2027

England and Great Britain international John Bateman, 32, will rejoin Bradford Bulls on a two-year deal from the 2027 season, with an option for a third year. Bateman, currently with North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL, debuted for Bradford aged 17 in 2011. He said returning was "something I wanted to make happen" after Bradford earned promotion back to Super League.