NRL club reportedly “dotting ‘I’s & crossing ‘t’s” in move for Wigan Warriors star John Bateman

John Bateman’s reported move to Wests Tigers seems to be getting closer day by day based on the reports down under.

These say that talks are on going whilst recent reports have said that a deal is close.

The Tigers are said to be happy to pay $250,000 for the England international and Wigan Warriors star who previously played in the NRL for the Canberra Raiders helping them to the 2019 Grand Final against Sydney Roosters.

Helping matters is the fact the Tigers have already pulled off a swap deal which saw former Salford Red Devils and Wigan star Jackson Hastings leave the club this week.

According to the Australian press he and Bateman “are not the best of mates” making Hastings “the fall guy” in the move.

Meanwhile, David Klemmer came the other way who reportedly shares and agent with Bateman increasing the likelihood of a move.

So far Wigan have denied that there has been any formal approach.

According to David Riccio of the Daily Telegraph in Australia it is just a case of getting the last details sorted.

“I’m more than confident,” Riccio said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“I’ve been speaking to the right people as far as the Tigers are concerned.

“There’s no pen to paper at this point of time from Bateman.

“Bateman has indicated to all his closest contacts over in the UK that he is headed to Australia.

“The Tigers are just dotting the ‘I’s and crossing the ‘t’s.

“The Tigers have no issue in paying the $250,000 mark.

“I’m more than confident that Bateman will be at the Tigers.”