John Bateman #268

Wigan not happy apparently…

The Mole: English club fumes as Wests Tigers poach John Bateman on four-year deal

Glamour English club Wigan has expressed its displeasure with star forward John Bateman after reluctantly releasing him to join Wests Tigers on a long-term deal.


The Warriors put out a press release in which they clearly stated they were desperate to keep the talented forward and only let him go after repeated requests.


The release said, "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.
"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 meanwhile, are delighted with yet another marquee signing.


"He's a world class player with an enormous work ethic," said coach Tim Sheens.


"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."


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Damn I feel for them.

It's happened to us and John needs to really prove himself. He is their Mattox, Aloiai, Moses, Cleary...

Excited for us but doesn't sit right with me.
 
I can’t believe how pissed wigan are.
Their presser is really unprofessional and full of emotion. I’m not sure how it was even approved to be made public.

Sounds petty like a teenage couple breaking up.
How so? It's a shit move on his part to tell the club 2 months before the season starts.
 
While I agree Bateman is a massive upgrade; I feel Garner was a lot better player than some others in our Team. (Departed and Current 2022 squad)

And im also of the belief Garner would have performed much better under Sheens
Agreed, Garner will shine At Penrith , I would not be surprised if he played Rep football this year
 
I can’t believe how pissed wigan are.
Their presser is really unprofessional and full of emotion. I’m not sure how it was even approved to be made public.

Sounds petty like a teenage couple breaking up.
Shows they really rated him as a player and were filthy to lose him. Positive sign for us, suggests he's not the has-been some are worried about.
 
Damn I feel for them.

It's happened to us and John needs to really prove himself. He is their Mattox, Aloiai, Moses, Cleary...

Excited for us but doesn't sit right with me.
You're right, it's happened to us so many times. This is what you need to do to stay in touch with the big hitters. Ruthlessness appears to be a big part of recruitment as well.
 
Can you post it please.

Bateman to leave Wigan​

26 December 2022

Wigan Warriors can confirm that John Bateman will leave the Club with immediate effect to take up an opportunity in the NRL.​

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.
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. On Friday 23rd December, the paperwork was completed.
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 recruitment of two class centres in Toby King and Jake Wardle means that Willie Isa and Kai Pearce-Paul can move back to their preferred positions at back row and with Liam Farrell and Morgan Smithies, we have lots of options. We will continue to monitor the squad and the marketplace as the 2023 Super League season unfolds.
As always in these situations, we have acted with the best interests of the Club at heart and we will continue to act in that manner. The Club received a significant transfer fee for John. We thank John for his service over his two stints and we wish him well.
 

Bateman to leave Wigan​

26 December 2022

Wigan Warriors can confirm that John Bateman will leave the Club with immediate effect to take up an opportunity in the NRL.​

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.
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. On Friday 23rd December, the paperwork was completed.
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 recruitment of two class centres in Toby King and Jake Wardle means that Willie Isa and Kai Pearce-Paul can move back to their preferred positions at back row and with Liam Farrell and Morgan Smithies, we have lots of options. We will continue to monitor the squad and the marketplace as the 2023 Super League season unfolds.
As always in these situations, we have acted with the best interests of the Club at heart and we will continue to act in that manner. The Club received a significant transfer fee for John. We thank John for his service over his two stints and we wish him well.
Thanks KR. Couple of little digs there. I have no feelings for Wigan or any other team as they would have done it to us if we didn’t get in first.
Go the Tigers!!!
 

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