Wigan Warriors v St Helens: John Bateman reaches milestone in derby comeback

The England international, 23, reached 99 in the win at Castleford two months ago but was then handed an eight-week ban for his part in a town-centre incident involving a team-mate.

There was speculation that the incident could end Bateman’s Wigan career but he resumed training with the club last month and coach Shaun Wane confirmed that the player will make his return against Saints at the DW Stadium.

“He’s trained for many weeks now and he’s fit and raring to go,” said Wane.

Bateman, who made 30 Super League appearances for home-town club Bradford before moving to Wigan in 2014, was among the 31-strong group of Super League-based players to attend a meeting with new England coach Wayne Bennett during his internal suspension and has a chance to play himself into contention for the Four Nations Series at the end of the season.

Wigan are also boosted by the return of England captain Sean O’Loughlin, who missed the defeat at Leeds with a one-match ban, while former New Zealand international prop Frank Paul Nuuausala, who rejected an offer from St Helens, will make his home debut for the Warriors as they look to finish the regular season on a high.

“It will be good to introduce Frank to a Wigan and Saints derby,” said Wane. “He thought the atmosphere at Leeds was fantastic but he’ll not have had one like this before, even in Test matches.

“He’s a while off his best because he’s not played for many months but when he’s good he’ll be very good.”

The biggest crowd of the Super League season is expected for the visit of St Helens, who are aiming for a fifth successive win after finding their best form of an inconsistent campaign.

“It’s our most important game of the season,” said Wane. “St Helens are playing with a lot more confidence now. Like Leeds, I knew they’d come good. They’ve too many good players not to.”

Saints have a chance to leapfrog fast-fading Catalans into fourth spot, ahead of the French club’s trip to Widnes on Sunday.