John Bateman is not only the man of the hour, he appears to be the man of the week.
Ever since the Daily Telegraph reported that he was set to return to the NRL, leaving Wigan Warriors for a second time to make the move down under after two seasons with Canberra Raiders, he was been at the heart of rugby league conversations even somehow overshadowing the Rugby League World Cup.
The Australian publication reported that a $250,000 fee had been agreed for Bateman and that a three-year deal had been agreed.
However, Wigan Today have stated that there has been no official approach to the Wigan club over Bateman’s services.
Nonetheless, those down under seem to believe that it is a done deal with the Daily Telegraph expecting it to be “rubber stamped” in the near future.
They are also reporting that Bateman’s signing is expected to light the way for Wests Tigers other recruitment believing that the Englishman is the type of player who others will want to play with and will regard as a statement signing by the NRL club.
The Tigers could have salary cap space to work with should Luke Brooks leave to the Newcastle Knights as many still expect as he is set to be on $1.2 million in 2023.
That said, the Tigers may be forced to keep him if they sign Bateman with reports that Bateman’s arrival could lead to Jackson Hastings leaving the club which itself would open up cap space.
