John Bateman banned for England’s World Cup opener against Samoa
Photo: Alex Whitehead/SWpix
Wigan forward John Bateman will miss the start of the World Cup after receiving a three-match suspension for his red card against Leeds.
The 28-year-old was sent off for a high and late hit on Leeds half-back Aidan Sezer during Wigan’s 20-8 semi-final defeat by Leeds last Friday.
Bateman will serve the first match when England Knights play France B on October 2. The second in the senior England side’s World Cup warm-up against Fiji five days later.
His third and final suspended game will be their World Cup opener against Samoa on October 15. He will be free to return for the rest of tournament.
Wane must submit his 24-man squad by Saturday and is due to unveil it publicly on September 30.
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Morgan Knowles ruled out of Super League Grand Final
Bateman’s England team-mate Morgan Knowles has failed in his bid to have a ban overturned ahead of St Helens’ Grand Final against Leeds on Saturday.
Knowles had appealed against a two-match suspension imposed following his sin-binning in Saints’ semi-final victory over Salford last weekend.
The Rugby Football League announced his challenge had been lost following a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday evening.
Astatement read: “St Helens’ Morgan Knowles has lost his appeal against a two-match suspension for a Grade B dangerous contact with an opponent during Saturday’s Betfred Super League play-off semi-final against Salford Red Devils.”
Knowles received a yellow card for twisting and holding the arm of Chris Atkin behind his back during Saints’ 19-12 success at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
The first match of Knowles’ suspension will be this weekend’s Old Trafford showpiece against the Rhinos.
Appealing did carry the risk of having the ban increased. It could have impacted his availability for England’s World Cup campaign.
However, the independent tribunal hearing his case imposed a £500 fine as well as upholding the original charge and penalty.
England play Fiji at Salford on October 7. If he is named in the squad could be the second match of Knowles’ ban.
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