Rugby League Today: Bateman unsure on Wigan return, Catalans receive president backing, Walker banned

Drew Darbyshire

Photo courtesy of Richard Long

We have 11 new stories on site today.

 What’s on site

Hull KR have released Andrew Heffernan from his contract and he has returned to Australia to continue his recovery from a long-standing concussion.

Whitehaven coach Carl Forster will depart at the season’s end due to the club’s ongoing financial issues.

France president Emmanuel Macron has pledged his support for Catalans Dragons ahead of the Challenge Cup final.

Andrew Heffernan has not ruled out a return to rugby league after he left Hull KR to focus on his road to recovery from concussion.

This week’s Super League Pod predictions, in association with Love Rugby League, looked at the Challenge Cup Final, of course!

Australia players are set to take a one-off pay cut in their $20,000 Test match fee so their end of season Test against Tonga can go ahead.

Scotland forward Adam Walker has been suspended for 20 months after testing positive for cocaine.

Ryan Atkins and Harvey Livett could play for Warrington in the Challenge Cup final after returning from injury. Steve Price has announced his 19-man squad.

Remi Casty, Mika Simon, Ben Garcia and David Mead are all set to feature for Catalans in the Challenge Cup final on Saturday. Steve McNamara has named his 19-man squad.

Leigh full-back Will Dagger could be suspended for a couple of games after being charged with a Grade D dangerous throw.

The latest expansionist blog is out now. A Challenge Cup win for Catalans would be enormous for rugby league in France.

What’s in the papers

Bus stop pick-up shows Warrington coach Steve Price what Wembley means to Wolves fans, report the Mirror.

Catalans Dragons could change rugby league with Challenge Cup victory, report the Mirror.

Warrington boss Steve Price stuns a fan by giving him a lift to a game, report The Sun.

Catalans owner Bernard Guasch never felt like giving Steve McNamara the chop, report the Sun.

John Bateman unsure if he will return to Wigan, report Wigan Today.

Jack Hughes anticipates keen clash up front, report Warrington Guardian.

Bureta Faraimo explains why he wants to stay at Hull FC for long-term, report Hull Daily Mail.

Tim Sheens linked with Manly move but Hull KR confident coach will sign extension, report Hull Daily Mail.

What’s on social

Steve McNamara will be a very proud man on Saturday!

Warrington fans received a good send off!

St John Fisher or Wade Deacon?!

Was Mark right?

What’s on TV/Radio

LIVE NRL: New Zealand Warriors v Penrith Panthers – 8.55am, Sky Sports Arena

LIVE NRL: North Queensland Cowboys v Parramatta Eels – 10.50am, Sky Sports Arena

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 Walker