John Bateman pushing for former teammate to join him at NRL club
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 19: John Bateman of the Wests Tigers catches a pass during the round three NRL match between Canterbury Bulldogs and Wests Tigers at Belmore Sports Ground on March 19, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
John Bateman is back in the NRL but not with former club the Canberra Raiders.
The former Wigan Warriors star has joined the Wests Tigers who although struggling at present have begun a five year plan.
The next big step though is finding the right halfback to take them forward.
The Tigers don’t seem convinced by reported Leeds Rhinos target Luke Brooks at seven and have looked at Super League stars like Mitchell Pearce and Bateman’s former Wigan and Canberra teammate George Williams who is performing brilliantly at Warrington Wolves.
However, Bateman has called on former Canberra teammate and World Cup winner Jack Wighton to join the Tigers now that his future is unclear.
“He’s a great bloke and if he wants to come here, he can feel free to come here,” Bateman said according to Zero Tackle.
“The better players, you’d take them in your squad.
“I haven’t spoken to him but he’s a very good player.
“I played with him for two years in Canberra, he’s a very good player who’s gone on to play for NSW and obviously won the World Cup last year.”
It will be interesting to see whether the Tigers can fend off the likes of The Dolphins for his signature.
Bateman will be hoping so.
He will likely be keeping one eye on Super League today as his former side battle rivals St Helens in a traditional derby.