NRL 2023: Tim Sheens addresses injury rumours around John Bateman’s delayed Wests Tigers arrival

Wests Tigers are patiently awaiting the arrival of star recruit John Bateman for season 2023, but time is running out if he is to be fit for the start of the NRL season.

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens. Picture: NRL Images

Tim Sheens concedes he is still waiting on confirmation when star recruit John Bateman will arrive at Wests Tigers, and if the Englishman will even be fit for the start of the NRL season.

But Sheens has shot down rumours that an old ankle injury is the real issue that has caused Bateman’s delayed NRL return.

It comes as Adam Doueihi weighs up a one-year offer to stay at the Tigers beyond 2023, as the club continues its chase for Parramatta’s Mitchell Moses.

In respect to Bateman’s drawn out arrival, there has been speculation swirling throughout the game in recent weeks that the back-rower has an ongoing ankle injury that may even have required recent surgery.

Sheens would not speculate on exact details but brushed aside any concern it was a major issue.

“He has had a problem (with an old syndesmosis injury) but not to the point of any concern for us,” Sheens said.

But the coach was adamant the delay related to a visa issue and nothing more.

“He has got a couple of bumps and bruises on him but he played the World Cup,” Sheens said.

“That (the ankle issue) is not going to be the problem.

“The problem is getting him here and that is almost solved.”

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens. Picture: NRL Images

However, with the 29-year-old committing to a lucrative four-year deal to return to the NRL, there is naturally a lot of interest relating to Bateman’s ongoing health given the bruising style of footy he likes to play.

Sheens confirmed there was still no certainty when Bateman would get here.

“I am not putting any time on it because all that does is there is more and more confusion if it doesn’t happen,” he added.

But Sheens seemed confident the legal experts would get it sorted sooner rather than later.

Asked directly if Bateman would be fit to start of the season, Sheens added: “Again, I am not going to make a judgment on that until he gets here because once he gets here he has to fit in with everybody and pick up his running and his kilometres on his legs.

“Whether he does or not (start the season) is not worrying me”.

Meanwhile, Doueihi’s long term future remains up in the air.

Sheens would not comment on the negotiations involving any of his off-contract players, but it is understood the club has recently put a one-year extension to the 24-year-old.

Other clubs are also believed to have shown interest in Doueihi, although all reports are he loves the Tigers and wants to stay.

John Bateman’s arrival at the Tigers remains up in the air. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty

Doueihi even spoke about his desire to captain the Tigers last week.

Sheens is yet to confirm who will captain the team this season.

But it still seems strange if the Tigers see Doueihi as the long term solution at five-eighth, and even as the potential skipper, why would they only be talking about a one-year extension regardless of whether or not Moses returns to the club.

Luke Brooks also spoke recently about his desire to team up with Moses next year, who he played a lot of his early footy with.

Brooks is also off contract at the end of 2023, and is managed by the same agent as Moses, Isaac Moses.

If the Tigers do end up getting Mitchell Moses, it may well come down to a shootout between Doueihi and Brooks to be his halves partner next year.

Doueihi can also play in the centres and at fullback, but has previously said five-eighth was the position he felt he could reach his potential playing.

Originally published as NRL 2023: Tim Sheens addresses injury rumours around John Bateman’s delayed Wests Tigers arrival