Wests Tigers seem to be the NRL’s perennial strugglers. Having finished bottom of the pile in 2022 and 2023, they are currently in 15th place, two spots off the bottom, with just two wins from their opening 10 games. They are reportedly looking to raid Super League for its top talent.
The club brought in former New Zealand star, Benji Marshall, as head coach to try and steady the ship ahead of this season. They also appointed Shane Richardson as Chief Executive. Now, it appears that Richardson is beginning the serious work of rebuilding the Tigers’ beleaguered squad.
Next in Australia broke yesterday that Richardson had jetted to the UK with a mandate to offload some of the club’s under-performing stars. It also appears that Richardson is also looking to recruit some of the league’s top talent.
Wests Tigers looking to raid top Super League talent
Credit: Imago Images
According to a report in Yahoo Sport Australia, Richardson is looking to identify Super League stars who can help to improve the Tigers’ fortunes. The report states:
“Tigers CEO Shane Richardson is currently overseas looking to shop even more of their players to Super League clubs as part of a major roster overhaul. He is also reportedly looking at bringing some of England’s top talent to the Tigers”
Speaking to SEN radio, trusted Australian pundit, Andrew Voss, confirmed that “Shane Richardson, we’re told, is over in the UK, looking to recruit from there”.
With transfer activity in Super League hotting up, and several big moves confirmed in recent days, Richardson is in the UK at the right time. Super League clubs will be on high alert, looking to ensure they don’t lose any of their biggest names.
Bateman on the verge of Tigers Exit
Credit: Imago Images
John Bateman is reportedly one of the names at the top of Richardson’s list to offload. Bateman only joined the Tigers in 2023, on a deal which was due to run until the end of 2026. However, he is on a significant salary and the Tigers are keen to free up the salary cap space he occupied.
Voss confirmed that Richardson was not just on a recruitment drive. He also confirmed that momentum was gathering around Bateman’s return.
“He’s not just recruiting. He seems to be offloading. Because the story about John Bateman, seriously my mates in the UK have written he’s coming home. He’s coming back to Super League. They’re running stories already.”
Despite rumours of his exit, Bateman has remained a key part of the Tigers’ squad this season. He has played in eight of the Tigers’ games so far this season, playing the full 80 minutes on six occasions.
News of Bateman’s availability looks set to ignite a scramble amongst Super League clubs, keen to secure the services of the experienced England International.
