Tigers sign English superstar John Bateman on four-year deal, Wigan fume

The Wests Tigers have signed English superstar John Bateman on a huge deal which has left his native country furious at the move.

BOLTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 22: John Bateman of England applauds the fans following their side's victory in the Rugby League World Cup 2021 Pool A match between England and France at University of Bolton Stadium on October 22, 2022 in Bolton, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)

The Wests Tigers have signed English superstar John Bateman on a four-year deal that will see him back playing in the NRL until the end of 2026.

Bateman played for the Raiders in 2019-20 before an ugly split saw him return to the Super League at Wigan.

The bustling backrower was named in the 2019 Dally M Team of the Year and that season helped Canberra to their first grand final in 25 years.

Bateman has an Australian partner and has been linked with a move back to the NRL for months.

The 29-year-old was a standout for England at the Rugby League World Cup where he told foxsports.com.au it was “good to be liked” by NRL clubs.

He’ll join the Tigers pre-season in January and joins a strong pack at Concord.

“He’s a world class player with an enormous work ethic,” Tigers coach Tim Sheens said.

“He’s the type of player who leads by example. I have no doubt John will make a big contribution to this club over the next few years.”

John Bateman of England at the World Cup. Getty

But he left his former club Wigan in the lurch as the Super League powerhouse shared his frustration at the World Cup star’s departure.

“The club first heard murmurings that John Bateman wanted to leave in July. After speaking to John, his agent and the club in question, we made it clear that we wanted John to remain at Wigan and the matter was closed,” a statement read.

“During the World Cup campaign, John let the club know of his desire to go back to the NRL. He asked to get the World Cup out of the way first, and then pick up discussions.

“With our desire to help England to do well in the tournament, we agreed to wait. After the tournament, John went on holiday and expressed his uncertainty regarding his future and requested time again to sort out in his own mind what he wanted to do.

“On Wednesday 14th of December, John informed us of his decision that he wants to try the NRL one more time. It has been somewhat of a frustrating period but the club now accepts that it is in everyone’s best interests that John is allowed a transfer from Wigan.

“In situations like this, there are obvious consequences. The uncertainty surrounding John’s future means that we have had to delay the squad numbers. The squad numbers have now been signed off and will be communicated between Christmas and New Year.

“Secondly, there will be no immediate replacement for John as players have their contracts agreed with their clubs.”

The Tigers sacked Michael Maguire halfway through this year and are revamping their roster under Sheens who returns to the club after almost a decade.

The likes of Api Koroisau, David Klemmer and Isaiah Papali'i are set to boost the Tigers’ prospects going forward.

“I can’t wait to begin a new chapter at a club that I know is going places,” Bateman said.

“There has been a lot of change at Wests Tigers over the past few months and everything I hear is positive.

“I want to be a part of the rebuild at the club and I’m really excited to be coming back to the NRL.”

Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe says the addition of Bateman is another positive step for the club.

“We are delighted to welcome John and his family to the club,” Pascoe said.

“This is another important piece in what we are building as a club, and I know John will play a very important role in the time that he is with us.”

Bateman has played more than 200 games in England, spanning 10 seasons, including three seasons with Bradford Bulls and seven with Wigan.

Originally published as Tigers sign English superstar John Bateman on four-year deal, Wigan fume