Bateman’s World Cup aim after mixing with elite

National coach Steve McNamara invited the England Academy captain plus Leeds Rhinos’ Stevie Ward, 19, and Warrington’s Ben Currie, 18, to attend the senior squad’s latest meet at RAF Cranwell.

Talented second-row Bateman helped Bradford defeat Hull KR 34-12 on Sunday, scoring a try in his first game of the season after a major shoulder reconstruction.

After the match, the 19-year-old headed straight for Lincolnshire and admitted the few hours in camp before returning to West Yorkshire yesterday were really beneficial.

“I got down there about eight o’clock Sunday night and it was just good to have something to eat with them, have a chat and get to know them all,” he said.

“I’d been in awe of them really as I’ve always been a young lad watching those sorts of players and looking up to them.

“But I realise now they’re no different to anyone else.

“I was chatting to Rangi Chase and Gareth Hock for a bit.

“The Gaz Hock off the field compared to the one on it is so totally different; he’s a really genuine bloke.

“I got along great with Zak Hardaker and Josh Charnley, too, and had a good talk with Eorl Crabtree and Garreth Carvell.

“I enjoyed some of the tasks we had to do and it was great to get a feel of what England is about.

“Obviously, I’d love to force my way into that squad and play in the World Cup, but at the moment I’m just wanting to play well with Bradford.

“If it (World Cup) comes on the back of that at the end of the year then great, but I’m just getting back into playing again for the Bulls for starters.”

England’s James Roby is out for up to six weeks after the St Helens hooker suffered an ankle injury against Wakefield on Friday.

Hull FC’s Brett Seymour will enter a 21-day rehabilitation clinic to help his fight with depression.

The Australian scrum-half was given leave by his club more than a fortnight ago after a car crash led to his wife admitting he was suffering from the illness.

Seymour has since received help from Sporting Chance, the renowned organisation founded by ex-England football captain Tony Adams, and will spend three weeks with them next month.