NRL coach reportedly has meeting with Wigan Warriors star John Bateman as he looks to tempt him down under

Earlier this year rumours started that John Bateman could make a sensational return back to the NRL.

Bateman left Wigan in 2018 for Canberra Raiders where he was an instant hit but eventually chose to return to the Warriors ahead of 2021.

After two seasons, we are starting to see the Bateman of old especially in his game breaking assist against France for England on Saturday.

However, earlier this year reports down under suggested that Wests Tigers were preparing a move for the back-rower.

Soon though these rumours were put to rest with reports saying that the transfer fee Wigan wanted for Bateman was too much for the Tigers to consider.

However, it seems the club have re-kindled their interest in Bateman this week with coach Tim Sheens using the World Cup as a perfect means to hold meetings with potential transfer targets whilst in the country in an effort to support Italy in their World Cup efforts.

Whilst in the UK, according to the Daily Telegraph, Sheens has spoken to Parramatta Eels’ Mitchell Moses whilst on duty for Lebanon hoping to secure him on a huge deal with the Tigers.

Likewise, the Daily Telegraph have also reported that Sheens has also held a meeting with Bateman during the tournament in the hope that he could tempt Bateman back to the NRL.

However, it is still believed that the transfer fee Wigan would require to release Bateman of his contract is too steep for the Tigers to consider providing a stumbling block in the way of any transfer.