Why NRL club need to complete reported signing of Wigan Warriors star sooner rather than later

For months now it has been reported that Wests Tigers are looking to get a deal for Wigan Warriors star John Bateman over the line in a move that would see him return to the NRL after leaving Canberra Raiders at the end of 2020.

Australian reports have represented it as a done deal with the Tigers prepared to pay Wigan $250,000 and with Bateman said to have agreed a three-year deal.

However, things were reportedly stalled by the club’s pursuit of Parramatta Eels halfback Mitchell Moses for 2023 rather than 2024 but now the Tigers are prepared to wait until 2024 allowing them to complete the signing of Bateman.

It is important to note however that Wigan have denied that there has been any approach by the Tigers.

If Wests ant Bateman, who has been on holiday since England’s exit from the Rugby League World Cup perhaps explaining the delays, they could do with him sooner rather than later.

This is because the Tigers, like many NRL clubs, are suffering something of an injury crisis at present and have lost two backrowers who are already touch and go for Round One in the shape of Alex Seyfarth and Shawn Blore.

Round One and building momentum with a strong start is vital for any team and especially a side who finished bottom the year before.

Wests need a strong start and therefore need Bateman ready to go whilst these two may not be.

Thus, the Tigers should be eager to get the deal done as soon as possible with the season getting closer.