John Bateman #268

[Halbrowne61]

He is a seasoned professional, has great footwork at the line and a smart offload. In defence he is a tireless worker and hits hard. He will be an addition to the new recruits not a subtraction. Having the new guys around him will only help his game as he won’t be on his own. He is second picked after Klemmet at either Prop or lock for mine.

You’re entitled to your opinion . I just hope he fulfils all those expectations as it will be good for the club.

 

[aturkey]

Bateman rounds out our best forward pack in some time. Klemmer, Papalli, Api, Bateman, Utoikamanu, Ofehengaue, Blore, Twal, Pole.

If they all stay fit, we're in for some good footy. That's all I'm asking for after watching so many terrible games

 

[Tigerwould]

He is a seasoned professional, has great footwork at the line and a smart offload. In defence he is a tireless worker and hits hard. He will be an addition to the new recruits not a subtraction. Having the new guys around him will only help his game as he won’t be on his own. He is second picked after Klemmet at either Prop or lock for mine.

In resent years..comparing the WTs the top 8 teams, we had (and still have) a weak 1-5. Particularly defensively. On top of that our second rowers have also been poor defensively.

We know Bateman can cause headaches for the oppositions defence the way he changes angles.
But for me…if he helps make our right edge defence strong and makes the jobs of the centre and winger outside of him easier then the $ we’ve paid and the length of the contract is well worth it.

I’m sick of having a weak defensive side (whether its the left or right) knowing the if the opposition get quality ball on that side they’ll score and we have to score 2 to get ahead.
With Bateman, I’Pap and Blore as edge defenders this year..the job will be easier for our centres and wingers.

 

[Needaname]

In resent years..comparing the WTs the top 8 teams, we had (and still have) a weak 1-5. Particularly defensively. On top of that our second rowers have also been poor defensively.

We know Bateman can cause headaches for the oppositions defence the way he changes angles.
But for me…if he helps make our right edge defence strong and makes the jobs of the centre and winger outside of him easier then the $ we’ve paid and the length of the contract is well worth it.

I’m sick of having a weak defensive side (whether its the left or right) knowing the if the opposition get quality ball on that side they’ll score and we have to score 2 to get ahead.
With Bateman, I’Pap and Blore as edge defenders this year..the job will be easier for our centres and wingers.

What we have always lacked is inside pressure. (Think the hit that Solioa put on Billy Slater that got him suspended for a while). Both edge backrowers will do this (hopefully legally). Takes plenty of time away from the halves and forces to play quicker then they want to and therefore reduces the options they have in their backline shape. This will help our edge defence.

 

[TYGA]

If they all stay fit, we're in for some good footy. That's all I'm asking for after watching so many terrible games

Agree. I’m positive also like the look of some youngsters Sione Fainu, Kautoga, Asitasi James.

 

[The-moP]

When Bateman arrived at the COE the first player he saw was Stef .. to which muttered something like .. “please tell me that, that mountain of a man is on our side .. !!” Need an interpreter when JB speaks .. gawd shakes my head could barely understand a word he said .. lol

 

[finnzo]

When Bateman arrived at the COE the first player he saw was Stef .. to which muttered something like .. “please tell me that, that mountain of man is on our side .. !!” Need an interpreter when JB speaks .. gawd shakes my head could barely understand a word he said .. lol

Is this true? Hahaha

 

[aturkey]

Agree. I’m positive also like the look of some youngsters Sione Fainu, Kautoga, Asitasi James.

It's a strength in numbers situation at the Tigers. Because we now have a great core of legitimate gun forwards, Twal, James, Pole are great depth to have, and could improve under the core forwards.

 

[WesternSuburbsBoy]

off to a bad start with this guy

 

[gallagher]

Good opportunity for Blore.

 

[tony soprano]

View attachment 4565
off to a bad start with this guy

No other option but to go the conservative approach

 

[Halbrowne61]

View attachment 4565
off to a bad start with this guy

Didn’t someone on here highlight an injury concern before he left England . Looks like they were correct.
Given he’s had quite a bit of recovery time since the WC it’s most annoying( to me anyway) that he’s now out injured. And despite what Sheens says, if it’s a minor concern that takes a month to correct
That is if the headline is correct.

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

View attachment 4565
off to a bad start with this guy

I had zero doubt he was going to miss 1st few weeks anyway. He looks serious about getting into things from the interviews.

 

[BAGNF05]

Didn’t someone on here highlight an injury concern before he left England . Looks like they were correct.
Given he’s had quite a bit of recovery time since the WC it’s most annoying( to me anyway) that he’s now out injured. And despite what Sheens says, if it’s a minor concern that takes a month to correct
That is if the headline is correct.

Not too concerned if it is just a month. If it’s another Reynolds, Ballin, McQueen, Packer, Matulino, Maumalo debacle, explain to me when do the serious questions get asked? Are we doing any due diligence?

 

[Halbrowne61]

Not too concerned if it is just a month. If it’s another Reynolds, Ballin, McQueen, Packer, Matulino, Maumalo debacle, explain to me when do the serious questions get asked? Are we doing any due diligence?

But it shouldn’t be a month, that’s my point.
We paid big bucks for this guy, suffered through the visa hassles and now, “oh he’s possibly out for a month”.
We need to hit the ground running with our best 13 available. We seem to have crocks everywhere , Brooks, Joffa , others, now Bateman.
Our new fix it team will be working overtime.

 

[BAGNF05]

But it shouldn’t be a month, that’s my point.
We paid big bucks for this guy, suffered through the visa hassles and now, “oh he’s possibly out for a month”.
We need to hit the ground running with our best 13 available. We seem to have crocks everywhere , Brooks, Joffa , others, now Bateman.
Our new fix it team will be working overtime.

He was always going to be underdone mate and I hope it’s just a bit of a story to give him a chance to get fully fit. If it’s a chronic ankle injury then it’s just another classic WT F-up

 

[Needaname]

Bit hard to do a fitness test from overseas. I’m in the minority here, I’m glad we are taking these things serious and under the management of the club.
We’ve come a long way since players had to get their own rehab and Braith had to bring in his own Strapping tape.

 

[hsvjones]

Bit hard to do a fitness test from overseas. I’m in the minority here, I’m glad we are taking these things serious and under the management of the club.
We’ve come a long way since players had to get their own rehab and Braith had to bring in his own Strapping tape.

I'm with you also
It won't hurt to give him the few weeks off to get it right.

 

[BAGNF05]

Bit hard to do a fitness test from overseas. I’m in the minority here, I’m glad we are taking these things serious and under the management of the club.
We’ve come a long way since players had to get their own rehab and Braith had to bring in his own Strapping tape.

If I’m investing $3.2 million in a guy I’m finding a way to get a proper medical done. Don’t care if the player is in Antarctica.

I do hope it’s nothing serious as I think it’s a good signing if he gets on the field.

 

[Telltails]

Red flags everywhere with Bateman. Plenty convincing themselves othewise, but 4 years with anything over 500k plus the 250 k transfer has got risk written all over it and one that we seemed to be the only club that thought it was worth taking. Will look forward to be being proved wrong.