Reports: Huge update in NRL club’s pursuit of Wigan Warriors star

The Wests Tigers have been chasing Wigan Warriors star John Bateman for months.

Things kicked into gear when during the Rugby League World Cup when new Tigers boss, formerly of Hull KR, Tim Sheens, who was in the UK helping Italy, held a meeting with Bateman hoping to lure him back down under after he left Canberra Raiders in 2020 to return to Wigan.

This came after the Tigers had already made a move for him but stepped back over the transfer fee they would need to pay.

However, the club changed their stance on this following this meeting.

They were happy to pay $250,000 to release Bateman from his deal.

This was confirmed months ago, but since then there has been no announcement but this could be because Bateman has been on holiday with family since playing for England in the World Cup.

Equally, their pursuit of Mitchell Moses stopped their move for Bateman as they balanced the salary cap.

Eventually they stopped their chase of Moses for 2023 instead focusing on a move for him in 2024.

Now, though the Daily Telegraph has reported that the club is set to finalise the deal in the next few days, perhaps in time for the new year.