Wigan's John Bateman would prefer to play in England pack, not at centre

Wigan's John Bateman insists he is not a centre, despite holding down the No 4 shirt for England in the autumn internationals.

The back row played centre for Wigan in the latter stages of the 2015 season, including the Grand Final, before making his Test debut in the role against France later in the year. Bateman then kept the shirt for the three-match series with New Zealand.

With England regulars Joel Tomkins, Liam Farrell and Sean O'Loughlin occupying regular back-row spots at the Warriors, and Elliott Whitehead and Brett Ferres providing competition in the national team, Bateman says he was happy to fill in where he is needed, but hopes the switch does not become a regular occurrence.

"It was good, really good," said Bateman. "You are playing for your country, aren't you?

"Obviously at the back end of the season, playing in the centre in a Grand Final, I did enjoy it. You don't have to do as much work, do you?

"But I'm not a centre, well hopefully not. If I fill in there again this year, I'll fill in, but I want to play in the pack this year, front, middle or back row.

"At Wigan, you've got to be at your best to get in. Obviously you've got me, Faz, Joel and Lockers, four people who would fit in any team. That's one of the best things about it, we've all got to make sure we're at the top of our game."

If the 22-year-old is to establish himself in the pack, he admits he needs to increase in size, and as such has been working with the Wigan conditioner.

"I've been doing some extra weight sessions and stuff like that with Mark Bitcon," the former Bradford back row said. "He's got a training programme for me. It's going really well in pre-season.

"It's just one of those things. You just have to train as hard as possible and obviously eat the right stuff. You can't really be going to McDonald's to try and put weight on because you won't be able to move on the pitch. It will eventually come. I think I am gradually getting there."

By his own admission, Wigan coach Shaun Wane has played Bateman more than he would have wanted, fully aware of the dangers of burning out the young star. But Bateman hopes to become a regular as he seeks to build on a memorable 2015 season.

"I want to play whenever I can do," he said. "I'm feeling healthy and fit and everything is good with me. I want to play every game if possible.

"It was a good year last year, something that I probably didn't really expect. I just wanted to get my head down and crack on. Now I want to kick on."