John Bateman suffers ‘one of the most painful injuries’ in rugby league

Josh McAllister
John Bateman, SWPix.

Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.

John Bateman has suffered ‘one of the most painful injuries’ in the sport but has been named for Wests Tigers for their Round Five NRL clash with Brisbane Broncos. 

Bateman, 29, avoided a rib fracture, but did suffer a rib cartilage injury in the first half against Melbourne Storm and reportedly needed a painkilling injection at half-time.

His side went on to fall to a 24-12 defeat at AAMI Park, marking their fourth straight loss in the 2023 season.

Wests Tigers remain the only side without a win so far this year and sit at the foot of the table.

Brisbane Times reported that Bateman skipped training on Tuesday with the injury. But he has since been named at starting back-row for the clash at Suncorp Stadium.

John Bateman named for NRL clash

Brien Seeney, also known as NRL Physio on social media, shared his insight on the injury, noting that the England international has suffered one of the most painful injuries in the game.

“John Bateman has been cleared of rib fractures & been named to play in Round 5,” Seeney wrote. 

“Worth noting rib cartilage injury is one of the most painful in footy, cause pain with “every breath you take, every move you make”. Often play through with pain killers/chest guard but discomfort.”

Bateman marked his NRL return in Round Three with the Tigers against Canterbury Bulldogs in the 26-22 defeat.

Kevin Walters’ Brisbane currently sit at the top of the table and are unbeaten so far in 2023, the only side to have won all their games so far with four from four.

Bateman did suffer a broken rib last year with Wigan during their Magic Weekend defeat to St Helens, but played through the pain.

He missed around a month of action through recovery following the 20-18 defeat at Newcastle’s St James’ Park.

Dom Young remains in NSW Cup

England international Dom Young has been named in Newcastle Knights’ reserves ahead of their NRL Round Five clash with Manly Sea Eagles.

Young, 21, was a try-scorer for Newcastle’s New South Wales Cup outfit in their 20-18 defeat to Canberra last week after being dropped from the NRL squad.

And while he has been named at number 20 for Saturday’s NRL fixture by head coach Adam O’Brien, the youngster has also been listed on the wing once again in the New South Wales Cup competition against Blacktown Sea Eagles.

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NRL John Bateman