Wigan Warriors’ John Bateman set to miss World Cup through suspension for shot on Leeds Rhinos’ Aidan Sezer
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com - 28/05/2022 - Rugby League - Betfred Challenge Cup Final - Huddersfield Giants v Wigan Warriors - Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, England - Wigan's John Bateman celebrates Jai Field's try against Huddersfield.
Last night, the Disciplinary Match Review Panel issued its sanctions and charges from the weekend’s games.
Amongst them was a Grade D charge for Wigan Warriors’ John Bateman following a horror tackle on Leeds Rhinos’ Aidan Sezer which left the halfback prone and forced to miss this weekend’s Grand Final.
That has, in turn, led to Bateman facing a potential five-match ban if the Operations Rules Tribunal finds him guilty of the Grade D Strikes charge.
That means that if Bateman is found guilty, he could miss a huge chunk of the World Cup with England’s opener against Samoa looking almost certainly to come too soon for the Wigan star.
It would be a bitter blow for Shaun Wane and England with Bateman being one of the nation’s most impressive stars in recent seasons.
The minutes from the Match Review Panel simply state: “Strikes – hand, arm or shoulder – reckless.”
Elsewhere, St Helens forward Morgan Knowles will miss the Grand Final after being handed a two-match ban following an alleged chicken wing on Salford Red Devils’ Chris Atkin from the weekend’s games.
No Leeds players were charged from the semi-final game, neither were any Salford stars.
Following the latest round of Betfred Super League, Championship and League One fixtures, the Match Review Panel have issued the following sanctions:
John Bateman (Wigan Warriors) – Grade D Strikes – Refer to Tribunal
Morgan Knowles (St Helens) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Jack Welsby (St Helens) – Grade A High Tackle – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Daniel Kirmond (York City Knights) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
Joel Farrell (Sheffield Eagles) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 2 Match Penalty Notice
Brandon Douglas (Sheffield Eagles) – Grade A Disputes Decision – 0 Match Penalty Notice
Keelan Foster (Doncaster) – Grade B Dangerous Contact – 1 Match Penalty Notice
The following player was handed a caution:
James Roby (St Helens) – Other Contrary Behaviour