England coach Shaun Wane is expecting Wigan Warriors forward John Bateman to be revitalised by his appointment as captain for Saturday’s Test match against France in Perpignan.
The 28-year-old former Bradford Bulls back rower experienced a below-par season in 2021 following his return from a successful spell in the NRL with Canberra Raiders but Wane is hoping the captaincy will help him rediscover his old form.
Bateman got the nod ahead of St Helens stand-off Jonny Lomax as the replacement for Catalans Dragons full-back Sam Tomkins, who led England for the first time in the mid-season game against the Combined Nations All Stars but is sidelined with a knee injury. “Jonny was in my thoughts but he’s a half and he’s a lot to think about,”
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