John Bateman has become Shaun Wane's latest selection headache after being sent off in Wigan Warriors' play-off semi-final defeat to Wigan Warriors. The back-rower, a cert to feature in England's World Cup squad, was dismissed for an ugly tackle on Aidan Sezer during the second half of Wigan's 20-8 loss.
Bateman was red-carded after catching Sezer both late and high. The back-rower immediately apologised for the tackle but that didn't spare him as Liam Moore showed him his marching orders. Sezer subsequently left the field and didn't return after a head injury assessment.
It was a blow to Wigan but now the worry is for England. Bateman, who captained England in their clash with France last year, now faces a lengthy ban that could rule him out of a large chunk of the World Cup. Bateman will learn his fate on Monday after the Match Review Panel have their verdict on the incident.
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Bateman will be able to serve one match in the warm-up game against Fiji but anything more than a one-game ban will result in him missing the beginning of England's World Cup campaign.
With fellow Wigan back-rower already a doubt through injury and Alex Walmsley ruled out with a foot injury, the pack is at threat of losing three key men before the tournament has even begun.
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