John Bateman included in England Knights squad for autumn tests

Wigan forward John Bateman has been named in the England Knights squad for their upcoming internationals against Scotland and France B.

The 28-year-old is facing a ban of between three and five matches after being sent off for a high and late hit on Leeds half-back Aidan Sezer in their semi-final defeat to the Rhinos last Friday.

Bateman has been referred to tribunal on Tuesday evening. The Rugby Football League’s match review panel has charged Bateman with Grade D striking.

And now, England Knights have named him in their squad to use a loophole to run down his suspension. Their match against France B would count towards his ban, as would England’s senior side playing a warm-up game against Fiji.

So if Bateman was to receive a three-match ban, he would only miss their opening game of the tournament against Samoa.

Wigan have six representatives in the Knights squad, while there are first Knights call-ups for Deon Cross (Salford) and Jon Bennison (St Helens).

England Knights squad for autumn internationals:

John Bateman (Wigan)

Jon Bennison (St Helens)

Deon Cross (Salford)

Matty English (Huddersfield)

Sam Halsall (Wigan)

Ethan Havard (Wigan)

Jordan Lane (Hull)

Mikey Lewis (Hull KR)

Jez Litten (Hull KR)

Ellis Longstaff (Warrington)

Matty Nicholson (Warrington)

Ollie Partington (Wigan)

Kai Pearce-Paul (Wigan)

Will Pryce (Huddersfield)

Olly Russell (Huddersfield)

Morgan Smithies (Wigan)

Josh Thewlis (Warrington)

Liam Tindall (Leeds)

Owen Trout (Huddersfield)

Danny Walker (Warrington)

Matt Whitley (Catalans)

The Knights face France B in Bordeaux on Sunday, October 2 and then Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday, October 8. Shaun Wane’s senior side take on Fiji at Salford on Friday, October 7.

England are in a group alongside Samoa, France and Greece at the World Cup.

PODCAST: Gil Dudson on Catalans red mist, winning Wigan, World Cup fears and reigniting Warrington

FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast