NRL 2022: John Bateman’s pending arrival at Wests Tigers could force Jackson Hastings out

The impending arrival of John Bateman at Concord could force one of the Wests Tigers’ biggest stars out amid speculation of a longstanding feud.

Should Hastings become available for 2023 there will be several NRL rivals lining up to snare him. Picture: Getty Images.

Jackson Hastings could end up the surprise odd man out following Wests Tigers’ stunning deal that is set to land star English international John Bateman.

Speculation has swept through the NRL in the wake of the shock revelation of Bateman’s pending return that the tough backrower and Hastings weren’t exactly what you’d call the best of mates previously when they played at Wigan.

Hastings agent Sam Ayoub could not be contacted for comment.

But it’s fair to say rival clubs are watching closely to see how the situation unfolds.

Hastings is also off contract at the end of next season, but if he becomes available for 2023 he will certainly attract some genuine interest.

Jackson Hastings could be the odd man out in the wake of the Tigers landing John Bateman. Picture: Getty Images.

The pair reportedly didn’t get along in their time playing together for Wigan in England. Picture: Getty Images.

Hastings had already been shifted out of his preferred halfback position to play lock this season, with Luke Brooks and Adam Doueihi expected to be the likely halves pairing going forward if Brooks stays.

That of course will depend on whether the Tigers end up releasing Brooks to Newcastle.

Many are still convinced Brooks will end up at the Knights in 2023.

Brooks is off contract at the end of next season, as is Doueihi.

Tim Sheens had previously stated he would not release Brooks, and in fact wanted to extend him beyond next season.

But it’s also no secret Sheens is making a play to try and sign Parramatta’s Mitchell Moses for 2024 and beyond, and he has already chased but missed Cameron Munster.

Brooks is on a monster deal for 2023, in the vicinity of $1.2 million for the season, so his exit would free up huge salary cap space.

Should Hastings become available for 2023 there will be several NRL rivals lining up to snare him. Picture: Getty Images.

When the Bateman deal gets rubber stamped it will certainly give the Tigers some serious respect in the countdown to the new year regardless of who ends up being the halves pairing.

Bateman, 29, is one of the world’s best edge backrowers and was a raging success during his time at the Canberra Raiders.

Even though it ended badly, there is no question Bateman left with plenty of admirers.

The Tigers have not made the finals since 2011, but the new look roster is really starting to create some excitement..

Bateman’s last stint in the NRL ended ugly, after announcing in the middle of the 2020 season that he would be leaving the club. Picture: Getty Images.

A month ago the Tigers had all but given up hope of doing the Bateman deal because of the huge transfer fee that Wigan had put on Bateman’s release.

But Sheens appears to have been rewarded for his persistence after continuing to work on the deal while in England for the World Cup, and it could end up a real game-changer for the battling NRL club

On the back of the recruitment of Api Koroisau from Penrith and Isaiah Papali’i from Parramatta, it gives the Tigers plenty of X factor under the new coaching partnership of Sheens and Benji Marshall.

Bateman is also the sort of player who will no doubt help attract more players to a club that previously struggled to land any significant recruits.