There has been plenty of talk about Wigan Warriors star John Bateman making a return to the NRL.
After previously playing for Canberra Raiders down under, it is rumoured that the Wests Tigers are close to signing the backrow for 2023 paying a $250,000 fee for the England international.
Now Wests Tigers chairman Lee Hagipantelis has spoken about the reports saying that a move for the former Bradford Bulls enforcer is not far away.
He has said that he cannot confirm whether a deal has been but he seemingly confirmed that there have been talks with Bateman.
“I did see quoted in the paper yesterday that Tim Sheens saying that the discussions are continuing,” Hagipantelis said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“Where they land, who knows?
“Our policy is not to discuss publicly the recruitment or retention decisions.”
So, he can’t confirm whether a move will happen but he admitted that there are talks but says he doesn’t know where they will land.
It comes as reports from Australia say that it is just a case of “dotting I’s and crossing t’s” as the Tigers chase the Wigan Warriors star.
The Tigers are hoping to put together a new look pack and have already signed David Klemmer from the Newcastle Knights moving former Salford Red Devils and Wigan halfback Jackson Hastings the other way who played with Bateman at Wigan in 2o21.
