England star John Bateman explains shock move to North Queensland Cowboys

John Bateman has spoken for the first time since turning his back on Wests Tigers to join the Cowboys, insisting he is determined to see out his two-year deal. Find out why he decided to join North Queensland.

North Queensland's John Bateman. Pic: Cowboys Instagram

John Bateman has spoken for the first time since turning his back on Wests Tigers to join the Cowboys, insisting he is determined to see out his two-year deal.

The English international swapped Northern England for North Queensland in December after the Tigers granted him an early release – the second time Bateman has left an NRL club ahead of schedule to return to his homeland.

But the 31-year-old said he was “100 per cent” committed to seeing out his new contract.

“I’ll be here for the full duration, don’t you worry about that,” Bateman said.

“When I went to Canberra I was pretty fresh coming over here, no one knowing me.

John Bateman of the Raiders looks dejected after playing his last match for Canberra – defeat during the NRL Preliminary Final match between the Melbourne Storm and the Canberra Raiders at Suncorp Stadium on October 16, 2020 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“I was pretty fresh and just wanted to get my foot in the door, really, but I’ve been around a while now, obviously played a few years over here so I’m really settled in and I’m looking forward to it.”

Bateman has drawn tremendous praise from Cowboys staff for his impressive pre-season, labelling the Bradford product an unreal talent.

He conceded his two pre-seasons at Wests had not been up to scratch before declaring this had been his best in recent memory thanks to better preparation.

“I think it was just that I turned up fit, to be fair. The last couple of years I probably haven’t been fit,” Bateman said.

“When I signed for Tigers the first year I came late, obviously came (around) February, and last year I had an injury, I had my ankle (operated) on.

“So it was just coming in and getting some good reps in. It’s probably the best pre-season I’ve had in a couple of years.”

John Bateman of the Tigers looks on during the round 24 NRL match between the Warriors and the West Tigers at FMG Stadium Waikato on August 12, 2023 in Hamilton, New Zealand. (Photo by Michael Bradley/Getty Images)

Bateman was originally signed to cover the backrow and middle, but with Heilum Luki suffering a season-ending knee injury he is shaping as a full-time edge forward.

Bateman has amassed 285 games of first grade rugby league – 219 in England and 66 in the NRL – as well as 30 internationals for England and Great Britain.

The star backrower said he was drawn to the Cowboys during early negotiations in part due to the club’s lack of scrutiny from media outlets in comparison to the Sydney market.

“Talking to the club early doors, I think it was just the way the club went about it,” Bateman said.

“There was nothing in the media, (it was) pretty quiet, came out of nowhere a little bit, and I probably just respect the club (and) the way they went about the business.

“Big decision, obviously, and talking to the coaching staff (Impressed me). So that was how I made my decision.”

The Cowboys play their first trial match against the Dolphins on February 14 in Cairns.

Originally published as England star John Bateman explains shock move to North Queensland Cowboys