Paper Talk: Chester on recruitment, Bateman praised & Patton future

Drew Darbyshire

We’ve had a look through the latest papers.

Chester on recruitment

Wakefield’s recruit is on-going but Trinity coach Chris Chester says it is not being rushed, reports Yorkshire Evening Post.

Chester told Yorkshire Evening Post: “We are keeping our powder dry. We are using the patient approach to it all, we are not in any rush.”

Bateman praised

England coach Shaun Wane is looking forward to seeing John Bateman back in Super League this year, reports Wigan Today.

Wane told Wigan Today: “John Bateman is going to be a great addition – and the competition is going to be stronger with John in, no question.”

Patton future

Former Warrington half-back Dec Patton is close to joining a new club, reports League Express.

The 25-year-old is set to link up with Salford ahead of the 2021 season, according to League Express.

Matongo determined

Hull forward Masi Matongo is in a determined mood as he relishes a fresh start under new coach Brett Hodgson, reports Hull Live.

Matongo told Hull Live: “I need to make sure I’m doing everything I can to get in the team.”

Feki aiming for good 2021

Unlucky Sosaia Feki is hoping to finally make an impact with Castleford, reports The Yorkshire Post.

Feki told The Yorkshire Post: “We just have to move on and hopefully I have a better year this time. I’m looking to change that around and get a few games in.”

Pre-season routine

Warrington head of performance Ade Gardner has given an insight into their pre-season training plan following Super League’s delayed start, reports Warrington Guardian.

Gardner told Warrington Guardian: “For the first few weeks, we will stick with our plan of getting that base in everyone’s legs. What we will probably do now though is give everyone a few extra days off.”

Support rugby league in the media and subscribe to League Express or League Weekly, as well as checking out the regular coverage of the sport in The Mirror, The Sun, The Guardian and other national newspapers; the more you read, the more there’ll be.

Listen to The Final Hooter podcast, featuring exclusive interviews, every week. SUBSCRIBE to Love Rugby League on Apple Podcasts.