Wigan Warriors’ John Bateman given three-match ban for incident in Leeds Rhinos match

Wigan Warriors’ John Bateman has been given a three match ban for his late hit on Aidan Sezer.

The moment came in the 50th minute of the game on the back of a period of turbulence for the Warriors conceding two quick fire tries to Jarrod O’Connor and James Bentley that gave the Rhinos a 10-point lead shortly after the break despite the fact they spent the whole first half defending and trailed at the break 4-2 to a Liam Marshall try.

On the next set, Bateman looked to inspire his team but made a poor judgement colliding with Aidan Sezer late after he had kicked it making contact with the head and receiving a red card.

Sezer has now been ruled out of the Grand Final against St Helens despite passing the Head Injury Assessment itself but was suffering from category 1 symptoms which means he is unable to play come Saturday alongside other injured stars David Fusitu’a, Harry Newman, Ash Handley and Morgan Gannon.

Bateman has now been given his punishment which sadly and regretfully ended his former Canberra Raiders teammate’s season.

He has received a three match ban for the Grade D charge which is the lowest punishment for a Grade D offence.

However, it should have little impact on his World Cup hopes, with Bateman named in the England Knights squad today meaning some of his ban will be served here.

Bateman should be credited for how he accepted the red card and how he checked Sezer was okay straight after the incident as well as after receiving a red card.