Bateman finally set to bring up ton

[josie andrews]

JOHN BATEMAN WILL BELATEDLY BRING UP A CENTURY OF FIRST UTILITY SUPER LEAGUE APPEARANCES IN WIGAN WARRIORS' DERBY AGAINST ST HELENS ON FRIDAY.

The 23-year-old England international reached 99 in the Warriors' win at Castleford Tigers two months ago but was then handed an eight-week ban, as well as a £10,000 fine, for his part in a town-centre incident involving a team-mate.

There was speculation that the incident could end Bateman's Wigan career but he resumed training with the club last month and coach Shaun Wane confirmed at his press conference on Thursday morning that the player will make his return against Saints at the DW Stadium.

"He's trained for many weeks now and he's fit and raring to go," Wane said.

Bateman, who made 30 Super League appearances for his home-town club Bradford Bulls before moving to Wigan in 2014, was among the 31-strong group of Super League-based players to attend a meeting with new England coach Wayne Bennett during his internal suspension and now has a chance to play himself into contention for the Four Nations Series at the end of the season.

Wigan are also boosted by the return of England skipper Sean O'Loughlin, who missed the defeat at Leeds Rhinos with a one-match ban, while former New Zealand international prop Frank Paul Nuuausala, who rejected an offer from St Helens, will make his home debut for the Warriors as they look to finish the regular season on a high.


"It will be good to introduce Frank to a Wigan and Saints derby," Wane said. "He thought the atmosphere at Leeds was fantastic but he'll not have had one like this before, even in Test matches.

"He's a while off his best because he's not played for many months but when he's good he'll be very good."

The biggest crowd of the Super League season is expected at the DW Stadium for the visit of St Helens, who are aiming for a fifth successive win after finding their best form of an inconsistent campaign.

"It's our most important game of the season," Wane said. "St Helens are playing with a lot more confidence now

"Like Leeds, I knew they'd come good. They've too many good players not to.


"There's a lot of feeling, a lot of respect. It'll be the biggest crowd of the SL season so we can't wait now."

Saints have a chance to leapfrog fast-fading Catalans Dragons into fourth spot, ahead of the French club's trip to Widnes Vikings on Sunday, and coach Keiron Cunningham is hoping they can maintain their momentum against their arch-rivals.

"These are always big games and, because we have come off the back of some good wins, it means a little more to us to get over the finish line on Friday night," he said. "There isn't any extra motivation needed for these games, it is an eagerly-anticipated match.

"All we can do is take care of ourselves. We can't influence the variables away from our games. The boys are working hard and getting the rewards they deserve.

"The players are working as hard now as they did back then. Sometimes things just click and as the confidence amongst the group gets better passes stick and the attack looks more clinical. The old adage that you make your own luck is true and we have found a little bit of that along the way."

Wigan are second only on points difference to Hull, who have a chance to clinch top spot going into the Super 8s on Friday night when they visit Salford Red Devils, who are gearing up for another stint in the Qualifiers.

The Black and Whites are still without stand-off Carlos Tuimavave but second rower Frank Pritchard is back after missing the last two games with an ankle injury.

http://www.rugby-league.com/article/380 ... ing-up-ton

[cpwigan]

Huge bonus

[josie andrews]

Bateman has been “outstanding”


http://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-w ... -1-8026628

[yokozuna]

Bateman has been huge for the side this season, easily our best player. Really looking forward to seeing him back in the cherry and white.

With him and Sam back in the side, that should be more of a plus than the loss of Josh and TT for the derby. Of course, the captain will be back in the side as well, and that could prove important in this match.

[Panchitta Marra]

I'm not getting too excited about his first match back, 8 weeks without match fitness is a long period.
He'll no doubt graft his knads off, he knows nothing else, but I do expect him to tire and make mistakes.
Give it his best is all I'm expecting, anything else is a bonus.

[shaunedwardsfanclub]

Only one playing tonight, rest might as well not bothered.

Correct, his fitness level is unbelievable. I think you would find it hard to find another athlete in professional sport to perform to that standard after eight weeks out.

[turf]

I also thought had a decent game did Bateman last night and I also agree about the comments about his fitness - outstandin effort after 8 weeks out