CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA – JULY 20: John Bateman of the Raiders thanks the fans after the round 18 NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Wests Tigers at GIO Stadium on July 20, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)
Following reports yesterday that suggested the Wests Tigers were on the cusp of recruiting Wigan back-rower John Bateman on a three-year deal, his Super League club have hit back claiming that they’re yet to receive any formal approach or bid from the NRL club.
The story gained traction yesterday, with the Daily Telegraph reporting the deal was all-but done despite the fact Bateman still has two years left on his current deal with the Warriors. As far as his current club are aware, Bateman is still under contract for next season and Wests Tigers are aware.
Reports linking the club and the player have persisted for months, but the details released in yesterday’s story – including the willingness of the Tigers to pay a $250,000 fee to end his current contract – indicated that progress had been made.
With Tim Sheens currently at the World Cup, reports emerged that he had met with both Bateman and Parramatta Eels half Mitchell Moses, with both considered prime targets for the club’s ongoing rebuild.
With Bateman due to speak to media today, questions over the legitimacy of the reports emerged – but the back-rower refused to comment.
“I’m pretty sure I’m here to talk about England and the World Cup,” Bateman said, per AAP.
“I’ll talk to you about that after the World Cup. I want to focus on the World Cup, to be fair.”
There are other issues surrounding any suggestion of a move as well. Bateman is on a marquee contract with Wigan at the moment, which means that Wigan’s options for a replacement at relatively short notice would be severely limited.
Bateman has made 42 appearances for Wigan since his Super League return in 2021, bringing his total appearances for the famous club to 171. He was also a part of the Wigan side that won the Challenge Cup in May.
Source:: ZeroTackle
