Inspirational Canberra back-rower John Bateman has no fear of suffering a recurrence of a fractured eye-socket after being told his face was twice as strong as ever.
After making a mercy dash to Australia and returning to the field four weeks ahead of schedule, the tough-as-teak Englishman spurred his depleted side to a gutsy 12-10 win over Canterbury at ANZ Stadium on Saturday.
With Ricky Stuart's side missing the likes of Josh Hodgson, Jordan Rapana and Joey Leilua through injury and Nick Cotric, Jack Wighton and Josh Papalii on Origin duty, Bateman turned in a herculean performance just four days after getting back in the country.
Bateman was expected to spend a couple of months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery following a collision with Penrith's Viliame Kikau.
He was given leave by coach Stuart to return to England to visit friends and family while he recovered.
But after watching his side slump to their third straight loss against North Queensland last week, he made a phone call to Stuart to tell him he could be right to take on the Bulldogs.
"I said I want to play next week. I don't think he really believed me if I'm really honest," Bateman said.
"I said 'no mate, seriously, get the specialist booked this week and once I'm back I'll go straight to them and see what they say'."
When he returned to running and training, he experienced no complications such as dizziness and lightheadedness which are often associated the surgery he underwent.
After landing on Tuesday, he saw a specialist two days later and was given the green light to return.
And while facial injuries can sometimes stunt the confidence of players, Bateman said he faced no such mental demons.
He turned in an 80-minute effort against the Bulldogs which included a first-half try in which he showcased his soccer skills as he beat teammate Bailey Simonsson to the ball.
"It's tough to watch your team lose and if it's not normal if you're sitting there and you're happy watching your team lose," Bateman said.
"The only thing for me was getting the all-clear from the specialist.
"When I sat down with them on the Thursday, they said your left side is probably stronger than what your right side is. It'll probably take double the impact as what it took last time to break it. That's all I needed to hear."
