John Bateman #268


Bateman won’t be rushed into Tigers’ round one team, says Sheens​

Adam Pengilly

ByAdam Pengilly​

February 20, 2023 — 4.36pm

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens won’t be pressured into rushing John Bateman into the team for round one and says he has a major headache choosing between Daine Laurie and Charlie Staines at fullback for the season opener.
With England international Bateman finally scheduled to arrive in Australia this week, Sheens said he’s taking a long-term view about the star signing, who is yet to meet his new teammates after visa troubles.

Sheens and assistants Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah will have a little over a week to assess Bateman’s fitness before their opening game against the Titans at Leichhardt on Sunday week.
The 29-year-old has been forced to train solo in the United Kingdom due to the red tape hold-up. The Tigers announced his signing to a four-year deal on Boxing Day.

Asked whether former Raiders back-rower Bateman would start the season in his NRL side, Sheens said: “We’ll just let him settle down. It’s a long-term contract and I know everyone wants to get away to a good start, but I’m not going to make a decision on that until he gets here.
“We’ll have a talk and he’ll get around with us. He doesn’t know the players to any great degree or know the plays, he hasn’t done the conditioning that we have.”
Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens.

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens.CREDIT:GETTY

The Tigers could consider using Bateman from the bench in the opening rounds to ease him into full match fitness, particularly given fellow recruit Isaiah Papali’i will start on the left edge and Asu Kepaoa shone in an unfamiliar role during a thumping trial win over the Raiders.
Bateman’s arrival will put an end to one of the longest-running sagas over summer as he waited almost two months for his visa to be approved.

It will be one less headache for Sheens, who is weighing up a decision between Laurie and Penrith recruit Staines for the No.1 jersey to start the season.
They both spent time in the position as the Tigers ran in seven tries against Canberra, and Laurie is angling for a new deal as the club also weighs up Luke Brooks’ contract situation.

On the Laurie-Staines debate, Sheens said: “All they did [on Sunday] was give me a tough task.
“The coaching staff and myself will sit down this week and sort out a few things with injuries, get a game plan ready. The players will have three days off and will come back and get ready for Leichhardt.”
The Tigers are expecting new captain Api Koroisau, Joe Ofahengaue and Brooks to be available for round one, but are doubtful Ken Maumalo (knee) will be fit after aggravating an old problem in the pre-season challenge.
Sheens said he was pleased with his side’s defence despite all the hype over their new-look attack.
“Give Dave Furner credit for that, our defence has never been pushed by anyone as being the thing except the coaches who preceded me,” he said. “But that was a good effort against a strong side.”
 
Kaito said:

​

Bateman won’t be rushed into Tigers’ round one team, says Sheens​

Adam Pengilly

ByAdam Pengilly​

February 20, 2023 — 4.36pm

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens won’t be pressured into rushing John Bateman into the team for round one and says he has a major headache choosing between Daine Laurie and Charlie Staines at fullback for the season opener.
With England international Bateman finally scheduled to arrive in Australia this week, Sheens said he’s taking a long-term view about the star signing, who is yet to meet his new teammates after visa troubles.

Sheens and assistants Benji Marshall and Robbie Farah will have a little over a week to assess Bateman’s fitness before their opening game against the Titans at Leichhardt on Sunday week.
The 29-year-old has been forced to train solo in the United Kingdom due to the red tape hold-up. The Tigers announced his signing to a four-year deal on Boxing Day.

Asked whether former Raiders back-rower Bateman would start the season in his NRL side, Sheens said: “We’ll just let him settle down. It’s a long-term contract and I know everyone wants to get away to a good start, but I’m not going to make a decision on that until he gets here.
“We’ll have a talk and he’ll get around with us. He doesn’t know the players to any great degree or know the plays, he hasn’t done the conditioning that we have.”
Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens.

Wests Tigers coach Tim Sheens.CREDIT:GETTY

The Tigers could consider using Bateman from the bench in the opening rounds to ease him into full match fitness, particularly given fellow recruit Isaiah Papali’i will start on the left edge and Asu Kepaoa shone in an unfamiliar role during a thumping trial win over the Raiders.
Bateman’s arrival will put an end to one of the longest-running sagas over summer as he waited almost two months for his visa to be approved.

It will be one less headache for Sheens, who is weighing up a decision between Laurie and Penrith recruit Staines for the No.1 jersey to start the season.
They both spent time in the position as the Tigers ran in seven tries against Canberra, and Laurie is angling for a new deal as the club also weighs up Luke Brooks’ contract situation.

On the Laurie-Staines debate, Sheens said: “All they did [on Sunday] was give me a tough task.
“The coaching staff and myself will sit down this week and sort out a few things with injuries, get a game plan ready. The players will have three days off and will come back and get ready for Leichhardt.”
The Tigers are expecting new captain Api Koroisau, Joe Ofahengaue and Brooks to be available for round one, but are doubtful Ken Maumalo (knee) will be fit after aggravating an old problem in the pre-season challenge.
Sheens said he was pleased with his side’s defence despite all the hype over their new-look attack.
“Give Dave Furner credit for that, our defence has never been pushed by anyone as being the thing except the coaches who preceded me,” he said. “But that was a good effort against a strong side.”
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The Old Young Bull Old Bull syndrome. Sheens has this 100% right. No need to rush him in - we have systems and players have been working with them for a while (as showed on Sunday). when he is ready he is ready - until then we play the cattle we have and make the most of the opportunities that present.

A much younger coach would probably feel pressured to play him round 1.
 
Jolls said:
The Old Young Bull Old Bull syndrome. Sheens has this 100% right. No need to rush him in - we have systems and players have been working with them for a while (as showed on Sunday). when he is ready he is ready - until then we play the cattle we have and make the most of the opportunities that present.

A much younger coach would probably feel pressured to play him round 1.
Click to expand...

This old bull also knows how much effort and style is required, and when to put it into practice, including when playing alongside new players and unfamiliar roles in representative teams.

Along with being professional with his personal fitness and training, providing that he arrives this week, Bateman should be ready to roll. I expect him to be playing NRL on Sunday week, just as I would any uninjured experienced player in the squad, including Brooks who has been in rehab and hasn't played since last winter.
 
I’m really excited to see Bateman in a Tigers jersey.

He’s always had that real deceptive frame. Not big, not quick, but can break a tackle by being awkward. Tough as they come and his biggest asset is his competitiveness.

Could be our biggest English recruit since my all time favourite in Ellis or a complete flop like Blair in 2012.

I think the contract was a little long…However I’m glad the Tigers had the balls to flip the coin and bring in another quality back rower who lit up the game a few years back and hopefully has got his life back together post-covid in regards to his family.

It might be nothing, but the way he celebrated an England win during the World Cup and how he rallied around his fellow players was enough to convince me he is certainly an ultimate-competitor and someone who will drive good values and demand results amongst a team. That leadership, drive and accountability is something that can only be a positive within the club.
 
Tim Sheens said:
This old bull also knows how much effort and style is required, and when to put it into practice, including when playing alongside new players and unfamiliar roles in representative teams.

Along with being professional with his personal fitness and training, providing that he arrives this week, Bateman should be ready to roll. I expect him to be playing NRL on Sunday week, just as I would any uninjured experienced player in the squad, including Brooks who has been in rehab and hasn't played since last winter.
Click to expand...
I agree 100%. Sheens will get a gauge of how things are going when he get here. If it all fits together he will run him on but if he isn't he will not hesitate to sit him out until he thinks he is ready.

I think the messaging is clear, we (the club) are running the show and we will take the time we need to get things right. He may not need it but he is setting the expectation and he certainly has put the media in its place since he has been back.

Shifty could be playing mind games with the media and the Titans for all we know; but it is great to see clear messaging that we (Wests Tigers) won't be rushing anything. It shows a mature approach to the game and all aspects of it. Managing the media and "fan" expectations is part of a good coaching system.
 
tigertye said:
I’m really excited to see Bateman in a Tigers jersey.

He’s always had that real deceptive frame. Not big, not quick, but can break a tackle by being awkward. Tough as they come and his biggest asset is his competitiveness.

Could be our biggest English recruit since my all time favourite in Ellis or a complete flop like Blair in 2012.

I think the contract was a little long…However I’m glad the Tigers had the balls to flip the coin and bring in another quality back rower who lit up the game a few years back and hopefully has got his life back together post-covid in regards to his family.

It might be nothing, but the way he celebrated an England win during the World Cup and how he rallied around his fellow players was enough to convince me he is certainly an ultimate-competitor and someone who will drive good values and demand results amongst a team. That leadership, drive and accountability is something that can only be a positive within the club.
Click to expand...
Was my favourite player when he was last here and he was playing for another team cannot wait to see him in a tigers jersey gonna be unreal
 
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