Without wanting to heap too much pressure on England – after all, pressure and the national team do not normally form a favourable mix judging by recent history – this autumn feels like a breakthrough moment in waiting for international rugby league.
The bright lights that come with national TV coverage on the BBC await for the three-game series against New Zealand, starting with Sunday’s first Test in Hull’s KC Stadium. All three games are expected to be sellouts – the other two are at the Olympic Stadium and the DW Stadium on successive Saturdays – and with England aiming to attract new fans after a disappointing union World Cup for the host nation, it is easy to see why some think victory against the Kiwis is non-negotiable for the profile of the sport in this country.
The millions who tune in to check what this national side can offer will be greeted with youthful exuberance, stylish flair and genuine hope for what lies ahead. Most of the attention following last Saturday’s 84-4 win against France was on how poor the opposition was, but on occasions they were unplayable.
If anyone epitomises the bold and exciting new era England seem to be embarking upon, then it is Wigan’s John Bateman. The 22-year-old impressed on his international debut last Saturday, scoring two tries in the relatively unfamiliar position of centre, but he did look in danger of missing out at one point for match. However, one man’s misfortune is another’s gain, and Bateman will benefit from the knee injury that has ruled full-back Sam Tomkins out of the series by retaining his place.
Despite his obvious inexperience at international level, Bateman is fully aware of the opportunity over the next three weeks to open up the sport to a wider audience. “It’s massive for us. It’s one of those games that will go out across the country,” he said. “It’s good to know that all those people will be watching you and it puts pressure on you to play your best.
“This game will probably be watched by more people than have ever seen me play before. It’s what we need as a game to get out there. If you haven’t got Sky Sports you can’t watch us most weeks, so this is a chance to show how good the game is and get everyone in the country behind us. The Rugby World Cup didn’t go to plan for the home nations, and hopefully we can go one better and get one over on New Zealand.”
If selected, as expected, Bateman will have the backing of Steve McNamara, not only the England coach, but the man who handed him his break in professional rugby league. One of McNamara’s last jobs before heading off to coach the national team was to sign Bateman, then 16, for his hometown club, Bradford. Even though they have long since left the Bulls, Bateman spoke fondly of his long-term relationship with McNamara.
“When I was a young lad there was a few offers,” he said. “Steve was coach of Bradford at the time, and I went in and spoke to him with my mum. He spoke about the things he wanted to happen at Bradford and I remember him being one of the big reasons I signed, as well as wanting to play for my hometown club. It was a big decision for me back then and he did help persuade me to sign for Bradford.
“He’s played for the club and I always wanted to. Things didn’t work out as Steve had planned, but I got to do what I always wanted to and that was play for Bradford.”
England’s long-standing tradition of having a famous face present the shirts to Bateman and company the night before the game has continued. Adrian Morley, and even Sam Burgess, have done it over the past 12 months, but the honour this weekend fell to Hull native, lifelong rugby league fan and the former Labour deputy prime minister John Prescott.
To that end, here’s hoping England do not have egg on their face come the end of this month.
England (probable) Hardaker; J Burgess, Watkins, Bateman, Hall; Widdop, Williams; Hill, Hodgson, Graham, Farrell, Whitehead, O’Loughlin. Interchange: Roby, Ferres, Cooper, T Burgess.
New Zealand (probable) Tuivasa-Sheck; Nightingale, Kahu, Whare, Kenny-Dowall; Hiku, Lolohea; Bromwich, Luke, Matulino, Proctor, Harris, Taupau. Interchange: Nikorima, Blair, Moa, Glenn.
