Bateman boost for injury-hit Raiders

The cavalry is coming for Canberra with star backrower John Bateman named to return on an extended bench.

John Bateman’s last NRL match was against Sydney Roosters in the grand final last year Picture. Phil Hillyard

The cavalry is coming for Canberra with star backrower John Bateman named to return on an extended bench for Saturday’s match against South Sydney.

The fiery Englishman has yet to play this season as he dealt with a troublesome shoulder injury sustained playing for Great Britain at the end of last year.

Bateman initially had surgery in February and was expected to miss the opening two months of the season, but his return was ­delayed due to the COVID-19 lay-off.

Complications around his recovery forced Bateman back under the knife early last month and there were fears he may have played his final game for the Raiders.

“Bateman had an injection into his shoulder to try and settle the lingering pain and inflammation,” said Brien Seeney of NRL Physio.

“This was obviously unsuccessful and the most appropriate treatment option was a second surgery to help Bateman gain full function of his shoulder.

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“In these cases an arthroscopic ‘clean-out’ of the shoulder joint is common, with tendon releases (such as the biceps) sometimes performed if significant inflammation is discovered.”

Bateman will leave Canberra at season’s end to return to Wigan in Super League.

Even if he is not a late inclusion on Saturday, Bateman’s imminent return is a welcome one for the Raiders, who have lost Josh Hodgson, Sia Soliola, Corey Horsburgh, Bailey Sim­onsson and Emre Guler to injury in recent weeks.

Jack Johns, son of former Knights great Matthew, will make his NRL debut off the Rabbitohs bench. Johns, 22, the older brother of Melbourne Storm player Cooper, was named on the bench after forward Ethan Lowe was ruled out indefinitely with a neck injury. Centre James Roberts is also out long-term with a pec injury suffered last weekend against Newcastle.

At the besieged Brisbane Broncos, coach Anthony Seibold has made several changes to his side to take on the Melbourne Storm, including shifting Anthony Milford to fullback in place of Tesi Niu. Brodie Croft will wear the No. 6 jumper with Tom Dearden favoured at halfback. Kotoni Staggs (hamstring) and Herbie Farnworth have been named in the backline, with Richie Kennar and Jamayne Isaako making way. Cory Paix was named as Issac Luke’s replacement at hooker.

Corey Oates was cleared of a fractured femur but won’t return for another three weeks.

Parramatta received a boost for their clash against Wests ­Tigers after coach Brad Arthur named star halfback Mitchell Moses to return from a calf injury. Form forward Ryan Matterson (thumb) and winger Blake Ferguson (knee) return to the starting 17 after missing out last week due to injury.

There was a collective sigh of relief at Canterbury after veteran playmaker Kieran Foran was cleared of a serious toe injury and named to take his place at five-eighth against Newcastle. Young back Jake Averillo’s COVID-19 self-isolation is over and he returns at centre.

Manly forward Addin Fonua-Blake, who was caught up in a flu vaccine row, has “satisfied Queensland government protocols” and will be able to take his place in Des Hasler’s starting side when the Sea Eagles travel to North Queensland to take on the Cowboys.

The Daily Telegraph