Cousin of Wests Tigers and former Wigan Warriors star John Bateman Jacob Bateman signs two-year deal with Bradford Bulls – Total Rugby League

BRADFORD BULLS have announced that Academy graduate Jacob Bateman has penned a new two-year contract to commit his future to the club until the end of the 2026 season.

The 18-year-old made his senior debut against Sheffield Eagles in May after impressing for both the Academy and Reserve sides under Glenn Morrison in 2024.

Bateman, the cousin of former Bulls star John – currently plying his trade in the NRL with Wests Tigers – is the latest Academy product to reach the senior ranks, with Bradford’s junior system continuing to produce stars of the future.

Eamon O’Carroll has paid tribute to the work that goes into Bradford’s Academy system to produce players like Bateman.

“It’s brilliant and hopefully there’s more to come, there’s a young and exciting group coming in that’s even younger than Jacob, the staff including Ryan Hunkin, Glenn Morrison, Martyn Oxbury and Jonathan Schofield are doing a fantastic job with our younger players. “, O’Carroll said.

“I’m very happy for Jacob, he comes from a good family, I’ve met his father and grandfather several times and I think this is the best place for him to develop on and off the pitch.

“We want to be part of that journey to help him, he is desperate to play for Bradford which is fantastic and hopefully there are many more to follow.”

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