NRL 2025: Manly to terminate John Bateman pursuit; Dragons close in on Lachlan Ilias

Unwanted Wests Tigers star John Bateman’s future in the NRL is on shaky ground after his main potential suitor is poised to terminate its interest in the back-rower.

Manly is poised to terminate interest in backrower John Bateman but the English star is still highly unlikely to remain at Wests Tigers.

This masthead has been told two other NRL clubs have expressed preliminary interest in Bateman, who has two years remaining on his current contract at Concord. His annual salary is about $650,000.

Wests Tigers were prepared to pay Manly about $300,000 a season to take Bateman but a roster-full Sea Eagles are reluctant to move any players for the Englishman.

Manly hasn’t totally dismissed Bateman but the odds of him playing at Brookvale are lengthening.

Bateman’s fallout with Wests Tigers coach Benji Marshall all but guarantees the ex-Canberra grand final forward won’t be at Concord in 2025.

There have even been suggestions Wests Tigers would be prepared to pay more than $300,000 a season for a rival club to sign Bateman.

The dispute between Marshall and Bateman is deep.

Wests Tigers star John Bateman. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Bateman’s manager Isaac Moses has been shopping his client around to rival clubs.

Moses manages North Queensland coach Todd Payten, Newcastle mentor Adam O’Brien and Warriors coach Andrew Webster. The Dragons and Rabbitohs aren’t interested in Bateman.

Moses isn’t likely to make a final decision on Bateman until later this year.

While there is curiosity, most clubs aren’t prepared to pursue Bateman. At 31, some clubs deem him a “risky” buy.

This masthead spoke with multiple clubs on Sunday and all insisted that Bateman wouldn’t be at Wests Tigers next season.

While stellar during his stint at Canberra, Bateman’s form was modest last season at the Tigers but it is understood two NRL sides have interest.

Manly would have needed to shift two players for Bateman, a risk the club appears unlikely to take.

DRAGONS CLOSE IN ON ILIAS

- Brent Read and David Riccio

St George Illawarra are closing in on the signature of South Sydney halfback Lachlan Ilias after the young playmaker underwent a second medical examination on Friday – a move that could clear the way for the Rabbitohs to discuss the prospect of signing Matt Lodge.

In the wake of Ben Hunt’s dramatic exit from the Dragons, the club have been mulling over three options to play in the halves next season – Illias, Wests Tigers utility Adam Doueihi and Cronulla playmaker Daniel Atkinson.

It is understood Atkinson is off limits because the Sharks have no desire to let him leave with one year on his contract.

The Dragons are closing in on South Sydney halfback Lachlan Ilias. Picture: NRL Imagery

Ilias has emerged as the preferred option after undergoing a second round of testing on Friday and it is understood a deal for the 24-year-old could be only days from coming to fruition, allowing Kyle Flanagan to remain at five-eighth.

It is understood Ilias and the Dragons have spoken about a two year deal which would take him through until the end of the 2026 season.

The Rabbitohs will not stand in Ilias’ way given they have signed Englishman Lewis Dodd to play in the halves next season alongside Cody Walker.

Ilias was rated as one of the emerging playmakers in the game before suffering a broken leg last season and he would seem an ideal fit for a Dragons side with a vacancy at halfback.

It is understood St George Illawarra are prepared to give him at least one additional year – he was contracted with Souths until the end of 2025.

Ilias’ departure would free up salary cap space for Souths to make a move for former Manly player Matt Lodge. Picture: NRL Imagery

His potential exit from Souths would free up valuable cap space for the club as they look to strengthen their squad with a powerful middle forward and outside back.

Lodge is one of the few front rowers still on the open market for next season, having rejected the chance to re-sign with Manly.

The Rabbitohs would no doubt appeal to him given his relationship with Bennett – the seven-time premiership winner handed Lodge a chance to return to the NRL six years ago after he was suspended over an incident in New York.

Any decision to sign Lodge would likely require the green light from the Rabbitohs’ powerful board, although Bennett would no doubt have a strong say.

It is understood Souths will at least discuss he merits of signing Lodge should Ilias depart, although it is far from certain that the club will head in that direction as they tinker with their roster in preparation for Bennett’s return.