John Bateman: The English Rugby-League Powerhouse Redefining Modern Toughness
Few names in British rugby league embody grit and consistency quite like John Bateman. Born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, in 1993, Bateman’s rise from a local amateur club to one of England’s most respected international forwards tells a story of determination, adaptability, and relentless work ethic. In 2025, as a key figure for the North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL, he continues to demonstrate the strength and versatility that have defined his decade-long professional journey.
Early Life and Background
John Bateman was born on 30 September 1993 in Bradford, United Kingdom. A proud Yorkshireman, he first picked up a rugby ball at the local club Bradford Dudley Hill, where his physicality and instinct for the game quickly set him apart. By his mid-teens, Bateman was already attracting attention for his ability to tackle hard and cover huge defensive ground — attributes that would later become his professional trademarks.
Educated at Tong High School, he balanced schoolwork with his sporting ambitions. At just 17, he made his professional debut for Bradford Bulls, marking the beginning of a career that would span continents and showcase his unique blend of power and leadership.
John Bateman age:
John Bateman was born on 30 September 1993 in Bradford, England, making him 32 years old in 2025. The English rugby-league star continues to perform at elite level, combining experience, strength, and leadership in the NRL with North Queensland Cowboys.
Club Career Progression
Bradford Bulls (2012–2014)
Bateman’s first senior appearances came with his hometown side, where he quickly became one of the Super League’s most promising youngsters. Despite Bradford’s financial struggles, he impressed with aggressive defence and fearless ball-carrying — early signs of the relentless attitude that would define his career.
Wigan Warriors (2014–2018)
In 2014, John Bateman transferred to Wigan Warriors, one of the most successful clubs in rugby-league history. Here, his career flourished. He became a two-time Super League Champion (2016 and 2018) and helped Wigan lift the World Club Challenge in 2017. His performances earned him selection in the 2018 Super League Dream Team and nominations for the coveted Man of Steel Award.
Canberra Raiders (2019–2020)
Bateman’s next challenge took him Down Under. In 2019, he joined the Canberra Raiders in Australia’s National Rugby League (NRL). Adapting instantly to the faster, more physical style of play, he became a fan favourite for his uncompromising defence and constant energy. That season, he helped Canberra reach their first NRL Grand Final in 25 years and was honoured as the Dally M Second-Rower of the Year (2019) — an exceptional feat for a debutant from overseas.
Return to Wigan Warriors (2021–2022)
After two influential seasons in Australia, Bateman returned home to Wigan to continue his leadership role within English rugby league. He re-established himself as a reliable forward, combining hard running with mature game management that made him a natural mentor for younger players.
Wests Tigers (2023–2024)
In 2023, Bateman signed with the Wests Tigers, adding further NRL experience to his already global résumé. Although the Tigers faced a difficult period competitively, Bateman remained one of their most consistent and determined performers — admired for his professionalism both on and off the field.
North Queensland Cowboys (2025–Present)
In December 2024, Bateman joined the North Queensland Cowboys on a two-year contract running through 2026. Now 32, he brings leadership, aggression, and international-level experience to a developing Cowboys pack. His arrival was seen as a strategic boost for North Queensland, with coaches describing him as a player who “sets the defensive tone” and “demands standards every session.”
International Career: England and Great Britain
Bateman has represented England Rugby League since 2015 and earned further honours with the Great Britain Lions. He featured in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, where England reached the final, and later toured the Southern Hemisphere in 2019 with Great Britain. His ability to adapt between second-row, loose forward, and centre positions makes him a coach’s dream in international competition.
Known for his passion and team spirit, Bateman’s commitment to representing his country remains one of his proudest achievements.
Playing Style and Physical Profile
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Height: 1.85 m
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Weight: 96 kg
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Positions: Second-Row, Loose Forward, Centre, Fullback
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Nationality: English
John Bateman is celebrated for his relentless defensive work, line-breaking runs, and competitive edge. He thrives on physical contests but balances power with tactical intelligence. Whether crashing through defensive lines or supporting attacking plays, his work rate rarely drops below maximum effort.
Coaches describe him as a “complete forward” — combining durability, aggression, and awareness — a modern hybrid capable of excelling in both hemispheres’ playing styles.
John Bateman Wife, Partner and Children
Away from rugby, John Bateman leads a grounded family life. He has two children:
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Millie Mae Bateman (Kershaw) — his daughter from a previous relationship.
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A newborn son (2025) with his confirmed partner Amy Reilly, as reported by Townsville Bulletin in March 2025.
John Bateman and Amy Reilly welcomed their baby boy just before the Cowboys’ clash with the Broncos, where Bateman later praised Amy’s strength and composure during the birth.
The couple are known for keeping their relationship private, sharing only occasional glimpses of family life on social media. Bateman has often mentioned how fatherhood motivates him to perform at the highest level, citing his children as his greatest source of inspiration.
In addition to rugby, he owns JB’s Cleaners, a Bradford-based cleaning and carpet-care service. This side business reflects his hardworking character and commitment to life beyond sport.
Major Achievements
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Super League Champion: 2016, 2018 (Wigan Warriors)
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World Club Challenge Winner: 2017
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Dally M Second-Rower of the Year: 2019 (Canberra Raiders)
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Super League Dream Team Selection: 2018
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England & Great Britain International Caps: 2015 – present
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NRL Grand Final Runner-Up: 2019 (Canberra Raiders)
Each milestone underlines his consistency across both hemispheres — an achievement few English forwards can match.
John Bateman in 2025 – A New Era with the Cowboys
Now in his early thirties, John Bateman enters what many describe as the “leadership phase” of his career. At the Cowboys, his influence extends beyond the field — mentoring emerging players, driving standards in training, and acting as a cultural bridge between English and Australian approaches to rugby league.
Fans regard him as an example of how experience and humility can coexist with intensity. He remains ambitious, openly stating his desire to help the Cowboys fight for finals contention and to continue representing England Rugby League on the world stage.
Legacy and Impact
John Bateman’s journey is more than a list of statistics; it’s a study in perseverance. From local Bradford fields to NRL stadiums packed with thousands, his trajectory shows what commitment and courage can achieve. He has faced injuries, transitions, and international relocations — yet his reputation as a reliable, fearless competitor has only strengthened.
For younger players, Bateman stands as proof that hard work, adaptability, and resilience can carry an athlete from regional leagues to international success. Whether defending England’s line or inspiring teammates in Townsville, he remains the embodiment of rugby-league determination.
Conclusion
At 32, John Bateman is not only an accomplished rugby-league player but also a respected leader, father, and role model. His professional career — spanning the Bradford Bulls, Wigan Warriors, Canberra Raiders, Wests Tigers, and North Queensland Cowboys — demonstrates rare longevity and adaptability. With international honours, domestic titles, and a growing family beside him, he continues to inspire on and off the field.
For England and the NRL, John Bateman represents the best of modern rugby league: disciplined, passionate, and relentlessly driven.
