Big John Bateman decision made

John Bateman will make his debut for the Wests Tigers tomorrow as confirmed by the Canberra Times in Australia.

Not only that but the former Wigan Warriors forward will also start for the Tigers according to the Australian publication.

On Tuesday, Bateman was named in the Tigers’ squad for the first time but was only named at number 20 casting doubt over whether he would feature.

There was also reports that Bateman didn’t train on Friday only adding to the doubt that Bateman could play.

However, now he is ready to start according to the Canberra Times and make a difference to a Wests side who haven’t been on fire to start the season.

They take on the Canterbury Bulldogs in the early hours of tomorrow morning.

Rugby League World Cup star Adam Doueihi will not play however due to injury.

It was said that he, like Bateman, missed training on Friday.

So, Fiji international and former Super League target Brandon Wakeham will start.

Bateman’s debut has been delayed to this point due to his late arrival in the country.

Due to police checks and visa issues, Bateman’s arrival was postponed well back from the beginning of January.

There were also rumours that he was dealing with an ankle injury but the club persistently denied them.

Bateman’s former club got their third win of the season last night by defeating Huddersfield Giants away 14-12 with two tries from former Newcastle Knights target Bevan French and one from Jake Wardle.