John Bateman has a virus and has been isolated from the rest of the Canberra Raiders team. Coach Richard Stuart has played down fears that Bateman will not play on Sunday.

It is clear that John Bateman will be a key player in the contest on Sunday, along with Joshua Hodgson, who has appeared at the Grand Final press conference along with his coach Stuart and his co-captain Jarrod Croker .

Whether you live in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or France, it is hard to realise the level of interest that exists among the vast rugby league following public in Australia, about the health of John Bateman and whether or not he will be able to play on Sunday. He is regarded as a star player in Australia and crucial to the Canberra Raiders' chances of winning.

Not really. He gives away too many penalties and misses too many tackles. You can get away with that playing mediocre teams in SL but not at international level.

For that reason, which Bennett will be aware of, I will be surprised if Watts is picked

Hill isn't playing well enough to be considered. He's had a poor year.

Josh Jones over Farrell for me. He's been outstanding this year.

Agreed, one of if not the best second rower in the comp this year for me.

Didn`t Bateman make 50+ tackles in the GF?
Not bad for a skinny lad.

Undoubtably SL's best hooker but is he the best GB hooker?

Ignore that, I thought you meant missed out of the starting 13. Clarke in ahead of Roby in the 17 for me

Yep. Hodgson and Clark without a doubt.

Joey Lussick? Not sure he's eligible.

Roby the best hooker by far for me