Sam Burgess makes John Bateman decision as Warrington Wolves team news confirmed

John Bateman will make his Warrington Wolves debut off the bench this evening against Hull KR. Sam Burgess has brought the back-rower in to help Warrington over the line in their push to reach the Grand Final, but he has opted to reward the impressive Matty Nicholson and Adam Holroyd with starts over Bateman.

The England international arrived in the country earlier this week from Australia, penning a short-term deal with the Wolves after being released for the rest of the season by Wests Tigers. He still has two more years left to run on his NRL contract with the Tigers, but there is uncertainty about where his future in the game might lie.

As such, he’ll be keen to make the most of his short spell with Warrington and that starts tonight in a game that could see the club return to the top of the Super League table. Luke Yates will be making his home debut for the Wolves, too, after making the switch from Huddersfield Giants earlier this year.

However, Joe Philbin, Toby King and Lachlan Fitzgibbon miss out, despite being named in the 21-man squad by Burgess.

Tyrone May and Elliot Minchella return for the Robins, with Danny Richardson and Matty Storton dropping out, the latter through suspension.

Of course, Warrington will return to the top of the Super League table should they beat the Robins this evening and Rovers can hit the summit should they win by more than 10 points.

Warrington Wolves: Matt Dufty; Josh Thewlis, Rodrick Tai, Aaron Lindop, Matty Ashton, George Williams, Josh Drinkwater; Luke Yates, Sam Powell, Paul Vaughan; Matty Nicholson, Adam Holroyd; Ben Currie.
Bench: Zane Musgrove, John Bateman, Jordy Crowther, Danny Walker.

Hull KR: Niall Evalds, Joe Burgess, Peta Hiku, Oliver Gildart, Ryan Hall; Tyrone May, Mikey Lewis; Sauaso Sue, Matt Parcell, Jai Whitbread; Dean Hadley, James Batchelor; Elliot Minchella.
Bench: Jez Litten, Sam Luckley, Kelepi Tanginoa, Jack Brown.