Rugby League Today: Bateman to NRL, Slater retires, Edwards and Lam join Wigan

Drew Darbyshire

There have been quite a few huge pieces of news coming out of Wigan within the last 24 hours.

What’s on site

Wigan have confirmed that Shaun Edwards will return to the club in 2020 on a three-year deal, and Adrian Lam will take charge of the Warriors next season.

Billy Slater has confirmed that he will hang up his boots at the end of the campaign.

Catalans star Greg Bird and Wigan front-rower Taulima Tautai have both been banned for four games over dangerous contact charges.

Daniel Mortimer has become the latest player to leave Leigh and he will now return home to Australia.

Wigan have confirmed John Bateman will leave to take up a contract in the NRL after receiving a significant fee.

The latest ‘off the record’ feature is out now. Who is the next one out of Leigh? Where does Josh Drinkwater’s future lie? Will there be another battle for Hastings? Find out more in this week’s gossip column.

Ryan Sutton, George Williams and Ollie Partington are set to play for Wigan on Friday but Castleford will be without Peter Mata’utia. The 19-man squads have been announced.

Dean Hadley and Chris Green will return for Hull FC on Friday, while Wakefield welcome back Anthony England. The 19-man squads have been revealed.

Suaia Matagi could make his Huddersfield debut on Friday against an unchanged St Helens side. The 19-man squads have been announced.

Bodene Thompson is set to make his Warrington debut against Catalans on Friday, while Catalans have rested several players. The 19-man squads have been confirmed.

Five senior players will return for Hull KR on Friday and Joey Lussick is set to make his debut for Salford. The 19-man squads are out.

Super League sponsors Betfred have provided the latest betting odds for the winners of the Qualifiers.

What’s in the papers

Billy Slater retires as most consistently brilliant NRL player of his generation, report The Guardian.

Salford’s Jackson Hastings receives tongue-lashing on his first day in the UK, report The Sun.

Jamie Jones-Buchanan insists club will avoid relegation, report the Daily Star.

John Bateman’s NRL switch: How other Wigan players did Down Under, report Wigan Today.

A message from Steve Price to Wire fans, report Warrington Guardian.

Justin Holbrook felt preparation for semi-final was perfect, report St Helens Star.

Scott Taylor says potential of NRL move was there but Hull FC is home, report Hull Daily Mail.

George Lawler could make dream Hull KR return after injury horror, report Hull Daily Mail.

What’s on social

Who is looking forward to seeing Suaia Matagi in action?!

Widnes fans will be hoping for more of the same tonight…

What a hit.

Make sure you watch it if you haven’t already!

What’s on TV/Radio

NRL Try Time – 9.45am, Sky Sports Arena

LIVE NRL: North Queensland Cowboys v Brisbane Broncos – 10.50am, Sky Sports Arena

Super League Golden Point – 7.00pm, Sky Sports Action

LIVE Qualifiers: Widnes Vikings v London Broncos – 7.30pm, Sky Sports Action

Qualifiers Highlights: Widnes Vikings v London Broncos Highlights – 1.30am, Sky Sports Action

The latest Super League Pod is available to download now, in association with Love Rugby League.

The latest ‘Sport at Six’ podcast by BBC Radio Manchester’s Jack Dearden and Trevor Hunt is available to download now.

The latest Rugby League show on Proper Sport is available to download now.

The latest Whippets and Flat Caps podcast is available to download now, presented by Jon Wilkin and Mark Flanagan.

The latest 5 Live Rugby League podcast is available to download now, presented by Dave Woods.

The latest Rugby League on talkSPORT 2 podcast is available to download now.

The Final Hooter podcast by Love Rugby League’s Dave Parkinson and Adrian Jackson is now available to download.

Features Adam Blair