John Bateman: Last News

Wigan Warriors forward Willie Isa has backed team-mate John Bateman to rediscover his top form in a World Cup year.

New England captain John Bateman has promised his game will not change after being asked to lead his country for the first time.

Adrian Lam has named a strong Wigan Warriors side to take on Leeds Rhinos in this evening’s Super League play-off eliminator.

Adrian Lam has rested a number of players for the club’s match with Catalans. Liam Farrell, Sam Powell and John Bateman have not been risked ahead of next week’s play-off clash. They join Brad Singleton, Morgan Smithies and Liam Marshall on the list of absentees tonight, with Lam taking no risks at all ahead before next week’s match, which will be against the winners of tonight’s game between Leeds Rhinos and Hull KR. It means Tony Clubb is given a final home appearance before he retires which the recently recalled James McDonnell also gets an opportunity to impress in the back-row. Joe Shorrocks deputises at hooker in the absence of Powell and Joe Bullock starts in place of Singleton.

Wigan Warriors welcome Jai Field and Brad Singleton back into their starting line-up for tonight’s clash with Leeds Rhinos.

Wigan Warriors forwards Willie Isa and John Bateman have both been hit with suspensions by the RFL’s match review panel.

John Bateman will make his return from injury this afternoon as Wigan Warriors take on Leigh Centurions at the DW Stadium.

Wigan Warriors coach Adrian Lam watched his side slump to a fourth successive defeat on Wednesday evening - but chose to take the positives despite losing to local rivals Warrington Wolves.

Wigan Warriors saw off Wakefield Trinity 34-6 at the Totally Wicked Stadium to maintain their unbeaten start to the Super League season.

Wigan Warriors head coach Adrian Lam says he has yet to make a final call on who will become the club's next captain.For the first time in 15 years, the Warriors are in the process of selecting a new captain after Sean O'Loughlin called time on his legendary career.It goes without saying that the successful candidate will have big shoes to fill.But Lam's current issue is who replaces O'Loughlin, rather than how they replace him.From the outside looking in there are a number of candidates; Liam Farrell, Thomas Leuluai, John Bateman and Sam Powell are among those who stand out.As of now, no decision has been made."It's a process the club is going through at the moment," Lam said."It's important we get that right, we'll know before round one

direct to your inbox2021 was always going to be a big season for Wigan Warriors, as it would be their first for years without their influential captain Sean O'Loughlin.His absence alone is a big void to fill. But he isn't the only departure.