Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

Bateman joins Wests Tigers on long-term deal​


Wests Tigers is delighted to announce that England International, John Bateman, is joining the club on a four-year deal.

The former Wigan Warriors forward will link up with Wests Tigers in January, having played the last two seasons in the English Super League.
The 29-year-old joins Wests Tigers for what will be his second stint in the NRL, having made a huge impact in his two seasons with Canberra.

Bateman helped take the Raiders all the way to the NRL grand final in 2019, falling one game short of a second grand final appearance the following year.
Wests Tigers Head Coach Tim Sheens says Bateman is an important addition to the team.
“He’s a world class player with an enormous work ethic,” said Sheens.
He’s the type of player who leads by example.
Tim Sheens
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"I have no doubt John will make a big contribution to this club over the next few years.”
Bateman says he’s excited to be joining Wests Tigers during an exciting phase for the club.
“I can’t wait to begin a new chapter at a club that I know is going places,” he said.
“There has been a lot of change at Wests Tigers over the past few months and everything I hear is positive.
I want to be a part of the rebuild at the club and I’m really excited to be coming back to the NRL."
John Bateman
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Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe says the addition of Bateman is another positive step for the club.
“We are delighted to welcome John and his family to the club,” Pascoe said.
“This is another important piece in what we are building as a club, and I know John will play a very important role in the time that he is with us.”

Bateman has played more than 200 games in England, spanning 10 seasons, including three seasons with Bradford Bulls and seven with Wigan.
 
Tiger Tarl said:

Bateman joins Wests Tigers on long-term deal​


Wests Tigers is delighted to announce that England International, John Bateman, is joining the club on a four-year deal.

The former Wigan Warriors forward will link up with Wests Tigers in January, having played the last two seasons in the English Super League.
The 29-year-old joins Wests Tigers for what will be his second stint in the NRL, having made a huge impact in his two seasons with Canberra.

Bateman helped take the Raiders all the way to the NRL grand final in 2019, falling one game short of a second grand final appearance the following year.
Wests Tigers Head Coach Tim Sheens says Bateman is an important addition to the team.
“He’s a world class player with an enormous work ethic,” said Sheens.

"I have no doubt John will make a big contribution to this club over the next few years.”
Bateman says he’s excited to be joining Wests Tigers during an exciting phase for the club.
“I can’t wait to begin a new chapter at a club that I know is going places,” he said.
“There has been a lot of change at Wests Tigers over the past few months and everything I hear is positive.

Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe says the addition of Bateman is another positive step for the club.
“We are delighted to welcome John and his family to the club,” Pascoe said.
“This is another important piece in what we are building as a club, and I know John will play a very important role in the time that he is with us.”

Bateman has played more than 200 games in England, spanning 10 seasons, including three seasons with Bradford Bulls and seven with Wigan.
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Clever by the club to wait till today. 🤙🏻
 
Somebody at the club realised that this announcement needed to be at a time when people had other things on their mind.
 
Yossarian said:
So when we win it’s him but when we lose it’s the buffoons around him? I mean it’s true the rest of the team was lousy but you’re making him sound like Cooper Cronk. In the end we had three guys who wanted to play two positions and the coach ranked him lowest. Whether that was reasonable is debatable. I think I’d rather Brooks and Hastings to be honest.
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It's the whole team if we lose or win. Seemed some were trying harder than others. I think Brooks looked better at 5/8. Why not keep 3 guys for 2 of the key positions? Gives variety, options & keeps the opposition guessing
 
jadtiger said:
Somebody at the club realised that this announcement needed to be at a time when people had other things on their mind.
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I don’t think so. I reckon the average wests tigers supporter would be happy with this signing. It fills a need both in terms of position and attitude… No mention of any options in the 4th year though.
 
There has to be more to this contract, maybe a reduced figure for the last 2 yrs. This appears against the logic of a club aiming for a top 8 roster in 2025.
 
Some times I get abit court up with who we are chasing and who we land but we have to give sheens and benji and Madge a huge wrap here. We haves signed 4 world class players in 1 off season. 4 elite level players that will make a huge difference to on field performances this is insane considering where we are coming from. I have to convince my self this is actually happening some times. 4 elite level players with a never say die attitude I’m so happy to be a tigers supporter!!
 
Noggon said:
It's the whole team if we lose or win. Seemed some were trying harder than others. I think Brooks looked better at 5/8. Why not keep 3 guys for 2 of the key positions? Gives variety, options & keeps the opposition guessing
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Because it ties up big money for a backup. Plus you’re asking Hastings to play at lock. Sure we were entitled to do that but it’s a crappy thing to do to him when someone else will pay him more money to play where he wants.
 
Excellent news for Bateman.
Just a pure footballer and apparently a excellent trainer to set standards for our young ones.
Coming together very nicely
With regards to the 4 years I have no problem with this at all as he just turned 29 and in his prime. It was only 12 months ago people wanted Dale F for 3-4 years and his is older and more beat up.
Stoked :)
 
Yossarian said:
Because it ties up big money for a backup. Plus you’re asking Hastings to play at lock. Sure we were entitled to do that but it’s a crappy thing to do to him when someone else will pay him more money to play where he wants.
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Hastings on big money? And Douehi? I know Brooks is. Not asking to play lock...rotate between 1/2 & 5/8
 
Acquiring Bateman and I-Pap has given us a potent second row pairing, one of the best in the comp. My concern though, especially if Brown is still being chased, is what happens to Matamua, Kautoga and number of the other forward up-and-comers over the next 3-4 year period. Do they just sit and wait their turn? Will they wait that long?

I reckon you throw Matamua straight into lock now and concentrate on picking up a prominent back or some cover at half.

Above all that, it’s the best recruitment drive in Tigers history. Looking forward to 2023.
 
Noggon said:
Hastings on big money? And Douehi? I know Brooks is. Not asking to play lock...rotate between 1/2 & 5/8
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For a backup yeah. You’re talking about running a platoon system for three guys in two positions. It wouldn’t work. The third guy would crack the shits if the other two were doing well and retained or you’re taking out a good performer to what, keep the opposition guessing?

I don’t know what money Hastings was on but whatever it is too much to be a bench player when we could use the money elsewhere. It would have to have been circa 500k.
 
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Yossarian said:
For a backup yeah. You’re talking about running a platoon system for three guys in two positions. It wouldn’t work. The third guy would crack the shits if the other two were doing well and retained or you’re taking out a good performer to what, keep the opposition guessing?

I don’t know what money Hastings was on but whatever it is too much to be a bench player when we could use the money elsewhere. It would have to have been circa 500k.
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Out of the 3 I reckon Hastings was the best value...but it means diddly squat now
 
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