John Bateman saga ends with brutal Wests Tigers face slap

Benji Marshall and the Wests Tigers have finally got their wish to get a star player out the door, but it’s come at a heavy cost.

The Wests Tigers’ John Bateman saga is over.

The star forward has been released by the Tigers and has made an immediate move to the North Queensland Cowboys, both clubs have confirmed.

Code Sports reports the Tigers will take one final face slap and will pay a significant amount of Bateman’s contract in order to get him out the door.

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Bateman had a further two seasons running on his deal with the Tigers. His contract was reported to have been worth around $650,000 per-season.

His departure ends a messy saga for the Tigers following a series of reports the Englishman had fallen out with coach Benji Marshall.

Marshall last month insisted there was no rift between him and Bateman.

Bateman was earlier this year granted a release to finish the 2024 season with Warrington in the Super League, with uncertainty surrounding whether he would ever come back to the Tigers.

Benji Marshall and John Bateman. Photo: Fox sports.

Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson also said last month Bateman would see out his contract through to the end of the 2026 season.

However, things have taken a series of turns this month with rival clubs, including South Sydney, all exploring the possibility of recruiting the veteran second-rower.

Bateman was reported to have told the Rabbitohs last week that he would not join the club.

The Sea Eagles also reportedly had interest in Bateman before the Cowboys made serious offers.

The Cowboys said in a statement on Wednesday afternoon the club believes Bateman will be a “valuable mentor” for the team’s rising star forwards.

“We have been in the market for an experienced forward with the ability to play either in the middle or on an edge,” Cowboys General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said.

“John bases his game around defensive intent and willingness to compete in every situation – a couple of areas we’ve made no secret we want to improve significantly on in 2025.

“Along with what he does on the field, we also believe he will be a valuable mentor for our younger forwards in Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai and Griffin Neame.”

John Bateman is on the move again. Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images.

The Wests Tigers now have salary cap room to enter the market for a replacement forward.

Richardson said in a brief statement released by the Tigers on Wednesday: “On behalf of everyone at the club I want to thank John and wish him all the very best with his future”.

Bateman’s departure appeared to be in the best interest of both parties.

Marshall last month refused to respond to reports there had been an incident in the dressing room after the club’s loss to the Rabbitohs this year.

Bateman was reported to have taken offence to Marshall’s comments that senior players were to blame for the club’s poor performance, while younger players were spared any criticism.

“I’m actually unsure, to be honest,” Marshall replied when asked if Bateman would return.

“What I will say though is what’s been reported about is false, I haven’t had a falling out with John.

“I’ve had honest discussions and in-house discussions around where John’s future is. Those discussions will remain private, but the things that have been reported are not true.”

It has already been a turbulent pre-season for the Tigers after five players were sanctioned after returning from annual leave out of shape.

Originally published as John Bateman saga ends with brutal Wests Tigers face slap