Bateman is just having a poor season. He’s top drawer still.

Or perhaps he’s just not as motivated anymore. He may think ‘he’s been there and done it’.

Actually really looking forward to seeing Bentley in blue and amber after watching last night's Wigan Saints game. Bit of an animal isn't he

like pepperami not to everyone's taste

Yes good shout, possibly so. Might also not get on with Lam?

He's a professional nuisance!

He dragged the Warrington players into being utterly distracted trying to wind him up, in the end Wire resorting to foul play. Almost Ryan Baileyesque.

He's a professional gobshoite, and looks a proper t*t with that tache!

Coming from a Pie with the amount of gobes you've had, I'll take that as gospel

Barring an increase in the sinbinnings he's just what we need a bit of needle. Also not sure what he was supposed to do after getting an arm in the face on the floor. Par for the course to just bin both players.

I actually thought the Widdop one was quite naughty and far worse than the Lineham tackle.It was premeditated and a swinging arm to a player on the floor. It will be interesting to see the disciplinary panel view of it.

Thought the topic was about Bentley not Bateman but I can see how you were mistaken.

Agreed

The disciplinary panel thought it was fine

Though 3 games for a very similar incident with Tetevano hmm

It wasn't remotely similar.

I`m interested on your take on the 3 game ban for Tetavano Ghost? And the concerns Agar raises on Sin binning's? Just interesting to hear your opinion as you have in the past been ultra supportive of the officiating and MRP.

it was high and late.
similar or not I'm amazed he wasnt called up

Was it not a careless/intentional arm across the face? Main difference one being prone stood up in the tackle and the other prone on the floor?

I'd have said it was worthy of a one match ban, very surprised it wasn't picked up.

Tetevano has a clear history of dirty play and late hits. Three games for a player with his track record is probably about right. They could squeeze it to two but the overall direction is right.

The overall picture is, if he stops doing dirty, thuggish things he'll stop getting bans.

It's probably already too late for his reputation which will see things like the incorrect sin binning the other week happening. But with on-field refs you're always exposed to that sort of stuff even from the best refs (which this was) as, in a quick moving sport like RL instant decisions need making. Ultimately (however unfairly) even that's been brought on by his own actions.

Sin binnings and bans for running in and scuffling are a bit different and not sure they're as important. But the future of the game rests on high shots and punches being penalised heavily. Older fans and players living on the edge may not like it but the sport has no option and, as far as I can tell, they have been pretty consistent in grading and sanctioning them.

My original point about Widdop was not related to Tetavano. Although some of his bans have probably been excessive he is responsible for putting himself in that position. A better comparison regarding the confused approach to disciplinary sanctions are relative sanctions given to Lineham and Widdop.I understand the focus on high tackles and Lineham challenge looked bad but it was poor and mistimed however their was no intent. This is why their was no major reaction from the players on the pitch. He gets a 2 game ban. The Widdop challenge was a frustrated player who knowing it was the last tackle of the game took a pre meditated cheap shot against a player not in a position to defend themselves. Maybe not a punch but definitely a forceful swinging arm. This kicked off the fracas at the end as all the players saw it for what it was and the intent behind it. Result no sanction. Anybody who has ever played the game knows which was the worst challenge! The ref did the right thing sin binning both players to calm things down albeit a bit harsh on Bateman but you wonder sometimes what the disciplinary panel are looking at in their findings. I would have given lineham 1 match at worst and Widdop 2

Good post.

Apparently has a serious back injury,that needs specialist attention according to serious about rugby league.Great just want we don't need.Hope he makes a speedy recovery.We dont look so well covered in the backrow anymore.

Maybe why Martin got another year