NRL 2024: John Bateman makes subtle dig at Wests Tigers culture upon arrival at Warrington Wolves

John Bateman has made a subtle dig at the club culture of the Wests Tigers upon his return to the UK, raving about the work Sam Burgess has done as a rookie coach of Warrington.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 06: John Bateman of the Wests Tigers runs with the ball during the round 18 NRL match between Wests Tigers and Melbourne Storm at Leichhardt Oval, on July 06, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Scott Gardiner/Getty Images)

John Bateman has arrived in England raving about the culture at Super League competition leaders Warrington under rookie coach Sam Burgess.

Less than a week after leaving Wests Tigers to join the Wolves for the rest of the season, Bateman has broken his silence, praising Burgess for what he has already accomplished after just 19 rounds as a head coach.

“Obviously Sam has brought in a good culture around the place and that’s what it’s all about for me,” Bateman said on Warrington’s Facebook page.

“If you got good culture, the players will perform for you. That’s what Sam has brought to the place.”

Bateman’s departure from the NRL came after reports emerged the English international had a falling out with Tigers coach Benji Marshall, and wasn’t happy with the treatment of the club’s senior players at the club.

Upon his return to England, Bateman wasted no time making his presence felt, attending a club training session as soon as he got off the plane.

“It’s good to be here,” Bateman said.

John Bateman speaking for the first time as a Warrington player. Picture: Facebook

John Bateman is loving life at Warrington. Picture: Facebook

“It’s a big thing that the team has been building.”

Although finding a new home in Warrington for the remainder of the year, the 30-year-old is expected back at the Tigers next season.

Tigers CEO Shane Richardson confirmed that Bateman would return to the club and complete the remaining two years of his deal at the Concord club.

“John leaving Wests Tigers for the back end of the season is something that all parties are comfortable with,” Richardson said.

“John is contracted to Wests Tigers for the 2025/2026 seasons.”

Bateman’s Super League stint has opened up $150,000 that the Tigers’ will save in salary cap space, which the club is gearing up to use as part of their ‘war chest.’

Warrington’s newest recruit revealed his move just days before Stefano Utoikamanu informed the Tigers he won’t be staying at the club past this season.

The front-rower is expected to make a decision following their clash against the Cowboys on Thursday.

Originally published as NRL 2024: John Bateman makes subtle dig at Wests Tigers culture upon arrival at Warrington Wolves