FAMILY AT WAR
Loyalties put to test in the Bateman household
JOHN BATEMAN hopes to run out for England in the World Cup Final one year today – but faces a battle at home to get family support.
Bateman played centre four years ago when England lost a gripping decider to Australia 6-0 in Brisbane, the last time they took on the Kangaroos after a cancelled Ashes series and the postponed World Cup.
If he takes on the champions again in 2022 there will be divided loyalties in the Bateman household.
Australian girlfriend Amy is expecting their first child and is already making a play for the Green and Golds.
“Don’t even get me started, we’ve had arguments about it,” laughed Bateman, who captained England in last month’s one-off Test with France.
“By the time the World Cup comes around we’ll have had the little one – my missus thinks they’ll be wearing an Australia shirt because of her side of the family but she has another thing coming, I’ll tell you that.
“I’ll be playing for England with a child that’s half Australian and a fullaustralian girlfriend. My missus thinks they’ll be cheering Australia but we’ll ■ see about that.” This year’s World Cup was put back by 12 months after the Kangaroos and New Zealand controversially withdrew, citing Covidrelated reasons.
But at the time the tournament would have taken place, those countries’ rugby union sides are touring the northern hemisphere.
That has whetted the appetite for a showdown next year.
Bateman is relishing that prospect having idolised players such as Jamie Peacock, Adrian Morley and Stuart Fielden growing up.
He said: “When you look back and look at those games with JP, Morley, Fielden, they’re just ridiculous games. I want to get into those games.
“I’m older now, I played centre quite a bit when I was younger but I’m looking forward to being in that back-row.
“They were always great games but in the past we’ve come up short. We want to change that, obviously, winning them rather than losing them.
“Playing for your country is the greatest honour of all. You’ll always be up for those games.”