Earlier this morning it was reported that England international John Bateman would return to Super League for the remainder of the 2024 season on a short term deal at an unnamed club. That club has now been named and it is Sam Burgess’ Warrington Wolves.
Warrington Wolves appear to be going all in for silverware this season with the club making the early move for Luke Yates last week. The Australian had been signed for 2025 but Warrington and the player sought an early release from his contract, something that was granted.
Yates debuted on Friday night and was key in Wire’s victory over St Helens and now they’ve added yet another star forward in John Bateman.
That’s per The Daily Telegraph who reported the move to an unnamed club initially but have since updated their story to reveal that Warrington Wolves are the team that have landed Bateman’s signature.
The 30-year-old will travel to England immediately and link up with his new club, presumably available for his first game from next week when Warrington face Hull KR in a battle that could go a long way in deciding who earns a home play-off semi-final.
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John Bateman to sign for Warrington Wolves in immediate Super League return
Credit: Imago Images
This morning’s earlier report from The Telegraph revealed that John Bateman was set for a shock immediate loan move to Super League, but maintained that the second-rower would return to Wests Tigers for 2025 an 2026.
He signed a four-year deal with the club at the start of the 2023 season and seemingly intends to play it out but informed his teammates today of his impending loan move to Super League.
That then explained his absence from the club’s squad to face New Zealand Warriors this Friday.
Earlier this year, Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson was in England to ‘shop’ players and try get on top of Wests salary cap issues. Among the players that Richardson had on offer was John Bateman.
He was subject to interest then, namely from Catalans Dragons, but knocked back an offer due to being intent on remaining in the NRL.
That has since changed and it seems likely that Warrington Wolves will confirm the short-term loan deal for the England international imminently.
