RL Today: Joe Batchelor future latest & Matt Peet discusses Bateman’s exit
Joe Batchelor future latest
World Wide of Sports recently reported that St Helens and England back-rower Joe Batchelor was keen for a move to the NRL.
However, Yorkshire Live has since reported that those rumours are far off the mark.
The 28-year-old, who was included in Shaun Wane’s 24-man England squad for the World Cup, signed a four-year deal with St Helens just in October last year.
Matt Peet discusses Bateman’s exit
Wigan coach Matt Peet has discussed John Bateman’s move to the NRL with the Wests Tigers. (Wigan Today)
The 29-year-old England international returned to Wigan ahead of 2021 on a four-year deal, with the option of a fifth. However, he will return Down Under for his second stint in the NRL on a long-term contract with Wests Tigers under Tim Sheens.
St Helens injury update
New St Helens coach Paul Wellens has provided an injury update on his squad, admitting Will Hopoate has gone down a different avenue for his return from injury. (Yorkshire Live)
The 30-year-old was limited to just 12 appearances in 2022, but was later selected to represent Tonga during the World Cup. However, he suffered another injury setback, limping off during the quarter-final defeat to Samoa in Warrington.
York Valkyrie players to be paid
Clint Goodchild, York RLFC chairman, has confirmed that their Valkyrie side will be paid from the 2023 season. (York Press)
He told the York Press: “We’ll be going to a paid structure with the Valkyrie next year. It’s been part of our planning for more than six months.
“The RFL are in support of it and it’s in alignment with what Leeds (Rhinos) are doing too.”
Radford on Samoa homecoming
Lee Radford has discussed his recent trip to Samoa with the national rugby league side following their World Cup success. (Mirror)
The Castleford boss was a part of Matt Parish’s coaching team during the delayed 2021 tournament, helping the side make history by reaching their first-ever World Cup final, the first Pacific nation to accomplish the feat.
Kevin Proctor set for first Wakefield appearance
New signing Kevin Proctor is set to make his first Wakefield appearance in next week’s friendly against Halifax. (Yorkshire Post)
France international Samisoni Langi is also set to feature in his first game since making the move from Catalans during the off-season.
Trinity host Halifax on January 15.
Birthdays
Salford hooker and former Wigan younger Amir Bourouh turns 22 today (January 5).
Also celebrating; Former NRL prop Luke Bailey (43), ex-hooker Matt Ballin (39), Whitehaven forward Perry Singleton (29), New Zealand international James Fisher-Harris (27), forward Martyn Reilly (27) and Castleford’s Cain Robb (20).
Trivia
Leeds were the last Super League side to travel to Australia to feature in a World Club Challenge. It was back in 2018 – losing 38-4 to Melbourne Storm.
St Helens take on Penrith Panthers on Saturday, 18 February, live on Channel 4.
