John Bateman heading home to Super League, Warriors target Jackson Hastings
John Bateman’s future is decided, and the news is not good for Canterbury fans as yet another star shuns recruitment moves by the cashed-up club. Read the latest in our transfer wrap.
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Unhappy Canberra backrower John Bateman looks set to turn his back on the NRL and return to England at the end of the season.
It is understood the English Test forward will knock back strong interest from Canterbury and St George Illawarra to link with the Wigan Warriors in the Super League.
Bateman has been at the centre of an ugly dispute with the Raiders after seeking a pay upgrade on his $600,000 deal.
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It is understood the Raiders had previously offered his management $750,000 for next year but that wasn’t enough.
Canberra chief executive Don Furner was unavailable for comment.
Bateman had a clause in his contract where he could renegotiate his deal each season but the way the negotiations have played out has really left a bitter taste at the Raiders.
Bateman was the Dally M backrower of the year in 2019 but hasn’t played so far this season after shoulder surgery and complications that followed.
In other player transfer news:
*Wigan may lose enigmatic Hastings to the New Zealand Warriors, whose halves combination could undergo major changes;
*Canterbury is heavily focused on luring State of Origin winger Nick Cotric from Canberra; and
*The Bulldogs have also spoken about re-signing halfback Kieran Foran – in stellar form for a struggling side – on a reduced contract.
It can be confirmed the Warriors made Hastings a firm offer when he toured with Great Britain late last year. While the former Roosters, Dragons and Sea Eagles halfback rejected that initial offer, New Zealand’s interest has not waned.
Rival clubs believe Canterbury may have also discussed Hastings but the Bulldogs want to throw $600,000 a year at Cotric and use him as a centre.
Still only 24, Hastings has played some tremendous football in England but has always held a private desire to one day return home after leaving Manly in contentious circumstances.
Hastings is a strong supporter of Wigan coach Adrian Lam, whose position at DW Stadium remains uncertain, according to well-placed UK sources.
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The Daily Telegraph has been told the New Zealand Warriors want to give rising halfback Chanel Harris-Tavita some quality time at halfback over the next four to six weeks.
If Harris-Tavita struggles to nail down a spot, the Warriors will revisit their interest in Hastings.
It is uncertain how interim Warriors coach Todd Payten would use halfback Blake Green, 33, should Harris-Tavita be chosen to start in coming weeks.
Harris-Tavita, 21, has been selected on the interchange bench for Saturday’s match against Brisbane in Gosford.
Bateman – told he could leave the Raiders on Tuesday – was hoping to secure an NRL deal worth $800,000 a year yet that figure hasn’t quite materialised.
It is understood Bateman’s management would now accept less than $800,000 a season but only if the deal stretched over four years.
The Wigan deal is worth $500,000 a season but Bateman is seeking a slightly increased offer given veteran Sean O Loughlin will retire after this season and the Super League club could also offload backrower Joe Greenwood – a former Gold Coast player – to Leeds.
Saints have officially withdrawn from the chase for Bateman, who still owns property in Wigan. He could also reunite with 10-year-old daughter Millie by returning to Lancashire.
The Dragons had shown interest but wanted to lodge a three-year deal – Bateman’s management was adamant he wanted four seasons.
Given he has only endured one full season of the physical NRL, some clubs were reluctant to offer Bateman a four-year contract.
While all this happens, Gold Coast continues their hot pursuit of injured Brisbane star, David Fifita. Brisbane fears their horrid season may influence Fifita to quit and head south to Robina.
Originally published as John Bateman heading home to Super League, Warriors target Jackson Hastings