Super League side declare interest in signing John Bateman

Reports that Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson was in England looking to ‘shop players’ was a major story last week with Englishman John Bateman one of those reported names.

Wests have gone all out to remedy their recent issues and that’s seen them make a play for off-contract Jarome Luai. The multiple-time Grand Final winner hasn’t come cheap though with reported wages of $1.2 million a year.

As such, Wests need a clearout and it seemed that John Bateman was one of those that the club wanted to get off their books given his reported salary of $600,000. His contract isn’t up until the end of the 2026 season but he’s one of the names that Richardson has been tasked at shopping to Super League.

Speaking ahead of St Helens versus Catalans Dragons, Sky Sports’ Jenna Brooks referenced Richardson’s UK visit, explaining: “A lot of the talk this week has been surrounding the West Tigers’ Chief Executive Shane Richardson. He’s in the UK trying to offload some players to free up space on their salary cap.”

That leads to two questions though. Does John Bateman want to return to Super League and if he does, which clubs will be in for him?

NRL Quiz: Can you name the teams these 10 English players have played for

John Bateman set to knock back Super League

News of Richardson’s trip to the UK first came from the Sydney Morning Herald and from their reports, it appeared likely that Bateman would be returning to Super League, where the England international has spent two spells.

However, Jenna Brooks has now reported that the ex-Wigan Warriors man looks to have snubbed a move to Super League, whilst naming one of the interested parties.

Brooks revealed: “Now surprisingly John Bateman is being shopped around Super League clubs. I understand he is not ready to come back to the UK just yet. He still has a year left on his Tigers contract. Despite that, Catalans are interested.”

The Australian then teased a possible destination, asking: “Could Warrington be interested given the recent news of Matty Nicholson down under to the Canberra Raiders?”

Nicholson’s move to Canberra Raiders hasn’t been confirmed by either club yet it has been widely reported that the man who left Wigan because of John Bateman occupying the number 12 shirt, will be heading out to the NRL to line up against him.

England legend set for Super League return

Brooks also reported that Hull FC were chasing Wests halfback Jayden Sullivan who would be on a marquee contract with the playmaker reportedly commanding a fee of £180,000 per year.

However, there was also an update on one of the other veteran English second-rowers down under in Elliott Whitehead. The former Bradford Bulls and Catalans man is set to leave Canberra Raiders at the end of the season and had been linked with Hull FC too.

Despite that, Brooks has revealed that there is a suitor for him in Super League but that it’s not the Black and Whites. It would in fact be a return to his former club.

“I just want to turn it back to the Catalan Dragons. They are still having conversations with Elliot Whitehead. His contract is up at the end of the year with the Canberra Raiders,” she revealed.