John Bateman named in Wests Tigers squad for the first time
Picture by IMAGO/Will Palmer/SWpix.com/Imago/PA Images.
For the first time, John Bateman has been named in the Wests Tigers squad for their NRL Round Three clash against Canterbury Bulldogs.
However, he appears set to miss out on any action once again after being named in the reserves.
Bateman, 29, has been included in the extended squad by head coach Tim Sheens with number 20 for Sunday’s fixture.
The England international only arrived in Australia at the end of February due to visa delays, having signed with the club in December on a four-year deal.
He has since been given time to acclimatise and is yet to make his debut for his new club Down Under.
Wests Tigers are 0-2 so far in 2023, falling to defeats to Gold Coast Titans and Newcastle Knights respectively.
Meanwhile, Fiji international Brandon Wakeham has been named to make his first appearance since joining the club during the off-season.
Charlie Staines has been named at full-back in replacement of the injured Daine Laurie. Junior Tupou comes in on the wing, with centre Tommy Talau replaced by Starford To’a.
Back-rower Shawn Blore returns from a concussion, while Isaiah Papali’i is out suspended.
John Bateman & Oliver Gildart miss out once more
Oliver Gildart misses out once again, with the Dolphins travelling to the McDonald Jones Stadium to face Newcastle Knights.
Gildart, 26, is yet to make his first appearance for the club. He made the switch during the off-season from Wests Tigers on a one-year deal, reuniting with ex-England boss Wayne Bennett.
He made his unofficial debut in the NRL pre-season challenge against North Queensland Cowboys in the centres.
Bennett has again opted with centres Aitken and Lee for Friday’s Round Three match.
Jackson Hastings has been named once again in the halves for the Knights alongside Tyson Gamble for the clash.
With two tries in two appearances so far in 2023, Herbie Farnworth will start for Brisbane Broncos against St George Illawarra Dragons on Saturday.
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