Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

WesternSuburbsBoy said:
The Wests Tigers are closing in on the signature of English forward John Bateman as they enter the final stages of negotiations with Super League giants Wigan.

News Corp understands that the Tigers are expected to confirm the signing of Bateman on a long term deal in coming days continuing their remarkable metamorphosis under coach Tim Sheens.

Bateman starred in the NRL for Canberra before returning to England at the end of 2020. He is set to return to Australia next season in a Tigers forward pack bolstered by the additions of David Klemmer, Isaiah Papali’i and API Koroisau.

The Tigers are also in the mix for Parramatta halfback Mitchell Moses and Penrith centre Steve Crichton, although they face stiff competition from Canterbury for both players.

Bateman shapes as a significant addition for the Tigers, having recently been part of the England side at the World Cup. He is expected to link with the Tigers in the new year, once the club has formalised an agreement with Wigan.

News Corp understands that the Tigers will pay a transfer fee to free Bateman from his Wigan contract. He is then expected to sign a deal with the Tigers for as long as four years in a sign of his belief that the club is on rise under Sheens and assistants Benji Marshall, Robbie Farah and David Furner.

The length of the deal suggests Marshall was heavily involved in the decision - he is due to take over from Sheens at the end of the 2024 season. In the meantime, Bateman’s arrival will provide the Tigers with more ammunition in the forwards as they look to lift themselves off the bottom of the ladder.
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How good! Things are looking much nicer for the tigs
 
1eyedmel said:
Didn't Crichton knock us back a couple of years ago, he will go to the dogs for sure.
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there was discussions in 2021 i believe, but who knows now api, charlie etc all came over we may be in contention... definately far fetched as i do feel he will end up with the dogs
 
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jirskyr said:
I don't think it's dire.

Firstly we will have known and potentially assessed / included likely cap increases into offers made.

Secondly, any contract up for grabs right this moment might be significantly affected, but over the next 12-18 months, we will have the space we already had, plus the new cap space to spend.

So Tigers can still be very active in the market, in fact moreso when the dust settles.
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It means we the amount of overs we'll have to pay will be even higher. Papali'i would cost us a million under the current cap. We'd need to offer Moses 1.5 rather than 1.1.
The cap increase mainly benefits big successful clubs as it will make it easier for them to retain players, although a few mercenaries will still take way overs if they can get it.
 
finnzo said:
Yeah but he’s still an international level second rower we seen that at the World Cup and where weren’t trying to convince him to change from 1 Sydney club to another where trying to convince him to move half way across the world
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You’re right, he is an international. Let’s hope we don’t get the same as our last Pommy international
 
jadtiger said:
His wife apparently wanted to return home and that would be a large amount of leverage in getting him here.
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John’s wife is a Canberra girl .. she’s big into horses, she competes in equestrians and horse events .. she’ll be happy to back home with baby son .. 😀😀 .. will be interesting to see if John’s 11 year old daughter comes this time .. ??
 
The-moP said:
John’s wife is a Canberra girl .. she’s big into horses, she competes in equestrians and horse events .. she’ll be happy to back home with baby son .. 😀😀 .. will be interesting to see if John’s 11 year old daughter comes this time .. ??
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😂😂 my dad always said don’t get mixed up with a girl involved with horses. It will cost you a fortune
 
I agree with others that a 4 year contract, if true, is too long for Bateman and could it could end up being another financial millstone. However, what can you do? At his best, he's a gun and his forceful presence and experience could be a real boon. However, if injuries, poor form or indifference kick in we're sunk once again.
 
stevied said:
I agree with others that a 4 year contract, if true, is too long for Bateman and could it could end up being another financial millstone. However, what can you do? At his best, he's a gun and his forceful presence and experience could be a real boon. However, if injuries, poor form or indifference kick in we're sunk once again.
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The media are saying it. All the club's have been tight lipped lately so I doubt it would be 4 years to be honest. Only if it's a club option on the 4th year.
 
Would have thought we might have learned our lesson with 4 year deals for players who's best days were some years ago. Let's hope he is not being paid at a rate based on past reputation instead of recent form.
 
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