RL Today: Wests Tigers not concerned by Bateman’s visa issues & Wakefield injury update

Josh McAllister
John Bateman Wigan Warriors Wests Tigers

Wests Tigers not concerned by Bateman’s visa issues

Wests Tigers boss Tim Sheens insists he is not worried by John Bateman’s visa issues, with the back-rower yet to link up with his new team. (Wide World of Sports)

Bateman, 29, joined the club during the off-season on a four-year deal from Wigan.

Instead, the England international has been watching videos of the club’s training sessions sent to him by Sheens.

Penrith’s World Club Challenge jersey

Penrith Panthers have unveiled their World Club Challenge jersey ahead of their clash against Super League champions St Helens.

The two sides will meet next Saturday, 18 February, live on both Channel 4 and Sky Sports.

 

Castleford’s clause in Jacques O’Neill’s return

Jacques O’Neill recently said he misses rugby league and hopes to be back on the pitch very soon following his appearance on Love Island last year.

And Yorkshire Live have recently reported that his former club Castleford have first refusal to sign him if he ever made the decision to return to the sport.

The Tigers released the hooker last June so he could appear on the hit reality ITV show.

York co-captain retires

York Valkyrie co-captain Katie Langan has announced her retirement from rugby league after 14 years.

Explaining her decision, she said: “My oldest son Bobby has just started secondary school and he loves his sport. It’s been hard if both our training sessions have been on the same night.

“I’ve had to say, ‘Sorry Bobby, you can’t go training because I’ve got to go.’ Having to do that as a mum is hard.

“We’ve managed it and my family has committed just as much to rugby league as me. But I feel like it’s at a point now where I need to give all my commitment back to them and to him growing in his sport. Unfortunately it means that I have to retire.”

Wakefield injury update

Wakefield are set to be without Liam Hood and Jordy Crowther for their 2023 opening Super League clash against Catalans. (Yorkshire Post)

Crowther, who was appointed vice-captain by new coach Mark Applegarth, misses out due to concussion protocols.

Wigan to pay women’s team

Chief executive Kris Radlinski has revealed that Wigan are set to follow in a similar path to Leeds and York in paying their women’s team. (Wigan Today)

Radlinski t0ld Wigan Today: “Before the season starts we will be presenting something to the women’s team, which will include payments, and they will be rewarded for their efforts.

“Some clubs have potentially run before they can jump.

“There are a few compliance things we need to consider before we go down that route, which is what we are working through currently.”

Birthdays

Former Australia, New South Wales, Cronulla, Catalans and Gold Coast Titans forward Greg Bird turns 39 today (February 10).

Also celebrating; Former Kiwi Henry Paul (49), ex-NRL playmaker Ben Hornby (43), former powerhouse prop Iafeta Paleaaesina (40), Ireland’s Michael Ward (32), Warrington hooker Daryl Clark (30) and outside-back Gideon Boafo (24).

Trivia

Daryl Powell will be Super League’s oldest head coach in the 2023 season at the age of 57.

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