Homegrown Bateman quits Bulls for Wigan

The club say Bateman, 20, had put in a “number of transfer requests” and they have finally ceded to him.

It comes just a few months after the acrimonious split with another of their impressive homegrown players, the England Knights back-row Elliott Whitehead who was sold to rivals Catalan Dragons.

Bateman, one of the most promising players in Super League and a former England Academy captain, has agreed a three-year deal to join the champions.

“On a number of occasions over the past two years, John had put in the request to be transferred from the Bulls,” said Bradford chairman Ryan Whitcut.

“The new board and I agree that unless a player wants to be here 100 per cent that player may have an unsettling effect on the squad and the coaching staff around them.

“The agreed fee is an undisclosed sum but will benefit the squad in the long run and allow head coach, Francis Cummins to add to the dynamics of the group if he feels he needs to.

“With Frank Winterstein, Dale Ferguson, Danny Addy, James Donaldson and the many more back-rowers we have available, we know we have strong cover in this position.

“Pre-season starts on Monday and it is important that the players have the confidence that those around them are 100 per cent behind the cause.

“We wish John all the best for the future.”

Bradford have also seen rookie full-back Curtis Naughton, frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities, take up a deal at NRL premiers Sydney Roosters.

n Hull KR have let Evarn Tuimavave return to Australia on compassionate grounds, halfway through the prop’s two-year deal at Craven Park.

n Leeds Rhinos have handed Academy product Alex Foster, 20, a new three-year deal after the back-row impressed in nine games last season.