THE Dragons will see the real Greg Bateman next season, the prop has vowed after an injury-hit first year at Rodney Parade.

Some pondered whether the 31-year-old loosehead could force his way into the Wales fold when he arrived from Leicester last September.

Sadly, Bateman has been unable to put the heat on Brok Harris let alone Test starter Wyn Jones.

The front rower arrived after a contract dispute with the Tigers, which meant he was undercooked, and his hopes of working towards full sharpness were ended on his second appearance and first start.

Bateman made a cameo off the bench against Zebre in October and then at Ulster, just as the coaches were set to withdraw him after an hour, pulled his hamstring.

"It didn't hurt, I just thought that I had cramp," said the loosehead. "I turned out it was really serious, that was really, really frustrating but injuries just come with a silly game.

"I can't be more grateful for the patience that these guys have shown me and I am looking forward to repaying that."

09.10.20 - Dragons v Zebre - Guinness PRO14 - Greg Bateman of Dragons.

09.10.20 - Dragons v Zebre - Guinness PRO14 - Greg Bateman of Dragons.

Bateman was out from October until February and his first campaign has featured just eight appearances and four starts. He will make his ninth off the bench against Cardiff Blues tomorrow.

"Coming late in the day with no pre-season and with a niggle, then not being able to build up match fitness was really difficult," he admitted.

"The club have been incredibly patient with me and understood the parameters around me coming here and how challenging it was from a physical point of view.

"I'll get this season out of the way, have a good off season then pre-season and hopefully I will be back to where I want to be."

Not that Bateman is ready for the summer graft just yet, he is one of the few 30-somethings relishing the Rainbow Cup.

The prop is charged with providing some experience to ensure the up-and-comers have a helping hand.

"I am delighted that there are a few more games that I can get back out there for rather than letting my first season drift by," he said.

"It's also a really good opportunity to see more of the young lads. The Rainbow Cup is about a development opportunity for our young guys but those of us who have played a bit of rugby are there to provide a stable platform for them to shine."

03.04.21 Dragons v Northampton Saints, European Challenge Cup - Greg Bateman of Dragons crashes through the Saints defence

03.04.21 Dragons v Northampton Saints, European Challenge Cup - Greg Bateman of Dragons crashes through the Saints' defence

The first season in Wales may not have gone to plan but Bateman knows he made the right move.

"Dean (Ryan) is a very good man manager and has certainly got me really excited and in love with my rugby again," he said.

"Ultimately that's the most important thing and has given me the confidence to contribute in the environment when I haven't been able to be on the pitch. I feel in a good space on that front.

"It's been a frustrating season, I've had a little bit too much time on the physio bed but have tried to contribute as much as I can off the pitch, helping the young lads coming through.

"It's been fantastic, what we are building here is really special and I am super pleased to be a part of it."

The roles are reversed at the Arms Park from the Rainbow Cup opener when Bateman started and 22-year-old Josh Reynolds came off the bench.