NRL Market Watch: Manly Sea Eagles look to sign Wests Tigers outcast John Bateman

Manly are exploring the possibility of bringing a Wests Tigers outcast to the Sea Eagles as they look to strengthen their premiership aspirations, possibly saving him from NRL purgatory in the process.

NRL 2024 RD03 WESTS TIGERS V CRONULLA-SUTHERLAND SHARKS – DAVID KLEMMER JOHN BATEMAN

Manly are mulling over a move for English back-rower John Bateman as they look to save him from the threat of NRL purgatory at the Wests Tigers.

This masthead understands that while any move is still in its infancy, the Sea Eagles have begun exploring the possibility of bringing Bateman to Sydney’s Northern Beaches as they look to strengthen their premiership aspirations.

Bateman has two years remaining on his deal at the Tigers but it is understood they would not stand in his way should he find another club.

The English back-rower finished last season on loan at Super League side Warrington and there was talk that he would stay there rather than return to Sydney.

However, it is understood Bateman – currently in England for their Test series against Samoa – wants to remain in the NRL and Manly may offer him the chance to move to a premiership contender.

The Tigers are unlikely to put up a fight. Tigers chief executive Shane Richardson last week made clear the club’s frustrations with Bateman, insisting he would face consequences unless he fell into line behind Marshall after the pair had a documented falling out.

John Bateman could be on his way to the Northern Beaches. Picture: NRL Photos/Gregg Porteous

The 31-year-old is believed to be on about $650,000 a season and the Tigers would likely need to contribute over the next two years to make a deal viable.

Again, that isn’t expected to prevent the move going ahead if Manly decide to crystallise their interest by opening talks with the Tigers.

The Sea Eagles are in a premiership window and, should they press ahead with their pursuit of Bateman, it would arm them with another weapon in their forward pack.

He showed flashes of his best at the Tigers over the past two years but struggled to find any consistency as the club finished the season with a third successive wooden spoon.

Whispers of a potential move for Bateman have been circulating in England, where he will be a key figure for the national side against Samoa.

Interestingly, the Samoan side is led by Penrith superstar Jarome Luai, who was set to be a teammate of Bateman’s at the Tigers next season.

They may find themselves on opposing teams now as Manly circle Bateman, who may not be the only Tigers player on the move this off-season.

The club has also made it clear that the likes of Jayden Sullivan, Brent Naden and Charlie Staines are free to leave if they can find another home.