Former Wigan Warriors star John Bateman takes brutal swipe at RFL lawsuit

Former Wigan Warriors star John Bateman has taken to social media to give his opinion on the legal action against the RFL.

The former Wigan Warriors forward was responding to a post which claimed that a player that took part in the 2023 Super League season was amongst the claimants.

Legal proceedings started last year by claimants saying the RFL didn’t take the necessary action to prevent head injuries in the game.

The number of people involved has risen since it began, and currently lies at 160.

Bateman said on X, formerly Twitter: “160 former players who knew what they signed up for when they started playing.

“Took every penny they could while playing, now taking action against rugby football league because they haven’t got a penny of that left.

“Come on man!!!”

Legend among those involved in lawsuit

Former player Nick Fozzard has been at the centre of plenty of controversy after joining the lawsuit against the RFL.

He said on social media last year: “We were told, ‘having mental health issues and progressive brain injuries from playing sport is a fairy tale.’

“That’s what we were told which is obviously 100% incorrect – but that’s what was told to the players so it came as a bit of a shock to find out what I’ve found out.”

The lawsuit is blamed by many for the rule changes this year surrounding contact to the head, and the huge subsequent bans for accidental contact.

Wigan Warriors hoping to back up London win

Bateman’s former club the Wigan Warriors are looking to back up their win against London Broncos this week.

The Warriors boss Matt Peet reflected on the won on the club’s official website. He said: “It was pleasing to see as a coach that the players when called upon have some credit in the bank – in particular Zach Eckersley and Ryan Hampshire. It was also great to see Junior Nsemba back out there who will add more power to the forwards.”

Wigan fielded eight Academy graduates against the Broncos, on which Peet said: “It’s a strong point in the Club’s staff at the moment which is the way it has to be. We sit on a hot-bed of talent here in the North West and our Academy players and staff – in particular Shane Eccles and John Duffy – do a fantastic job not just in supporting the players, but providing playing opportunities away from Wigan.”