John Bateman set for NRL return after signing four-year deal with Wests Tigers

Liam O'Loughlin

•
John Bateman set for NRL return after signing four-year deal with Wests Tigers image

English star John Bateman will return to the NRL next season, inking a four-year deal with the Wests Tigers.

The 29-year-old was a revelation while playing for Canberra in 2019 and 2020, becoming one of the best edge forwards in the competition and helping take the Raiders to a grand final appearance.

Bateman returned to the UK last year to sign with Wigan, but will now make the move back to Australia for 2023 and beyond after his move to the Tigers was confirmed.

Bateman says he’s excited to be joining Wests Tigers during an exciting phase for the club. 

“I can’t wait to begin a new chapter at a club that I know is going places,” Bateman said on his new signing.

“There has been a lot of change at Wests Tigers over the past few months and everything I hear is positive.

"I want to be a part of the rebuild at the club and I’m really excited to be coming back to the NRL."

Wests Tigers Head Coach Tim Sheens says Bateman is an important addition to the team.

“He’s a world class player with an enormous work ethic,” said Sheens.

"He’s the type of player who leads by example.

"I have no doubt John will make a big contribution to this club over the next few years.”

There has been no confirmation as to whether or not the Tigers had to pay Wigan a transfer fee, with Bateman still signed to the UK club for next year. 

Bateman's now former club was keen to keep the 29-year-old and spoke their mind about his decision in a post.

"The uncertainty surrounding John’s future means that we have had to delay the squad numbers. The squad numbers have now been signed off and will be communicated between Christmas and New Year," the club statement said.

"Secondly, there will be no immediate replacement for John as players have their contracts agreed with their Clubs. 

"The Club received a significant transfer fee for John. We thank John for his service over his two stints and we wish him well."

Bateman recently featured for England in the Rugby League World Cup and will begin pre-season with the Tigers in the new year. 

He will join fellow recruit Isaiah Papali'i in the back-row for the Tigers, while three-time premiership winner Api Koroisau will also join the club at hooker. 

Bateman has played more than 200 games in England, spanning 10 seasons, including three seasons with Bradford Bulls and seven with Wigan.

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.