John Bateman send a vital message to Warrington Wolves fans.
Before returning to Wests, former Warrington Wolves player John Bateman issued a caution.
PRIOR John Bateman of Warrington Wolves is rumored to be leaving the Wests Tigers.
Despite having two years left on his contract with the Wests, the 31-year-old was shunned by head coach Benji Marshall in the latter part of the 2024 NRL season, which allowed Warrington to take over for the rest of the previous campaign.
But Bateman will be back in Australia in 2025; the only question is, whose team will he play for?
The Manly Sea Eagles are reportedly investigating a transfer for Bateman, who is still in the UK and prepared for England’s two Test Series against Samoa, according to Australian publication Code Sports.
According to Code Sports, a move of this kind for the 31-year-old is still extremely early in the process, but Wests are reportedly prepared to let Bateman go if he can secure a new contract elsewhere.
On the other hand, Tigers CEO Shane Richardson warned Bateman last week that the team would have to pay his $650,000 compensation.
Richardson previously told The Daily Telegraph, “We don’t want any player who doesn’t want to be at the club for the crocodile roll that lies ahead, and that applies to every player including John Bateman.”
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Before returning to Wests, former Warrington Wolves player John Bateman issued a caution.
John Bateman, a former Warrington Wolves player, has received a warning before rejoining the Wests Tigers.
After losing favor with the Wests management this season, the back-rower joined Warrington near the close of the 2024 Super League season. He is now in the UK ahead of England’s autumn international Test Series against Samoa.
Though Bateman relocated to the northern hemisphere temporarily, there was never any concern that he wouldn’t go back to Australia.
However, Wests CEO Shane Richardson has already cautioned the Bradfordian that the journey won’t be simple.
Richardson said The Daily Telegraph, “We don’t want any player who doesn’t want to be at the club for the crocodile roll that lies ahead. That applies to every player, including John Bateman.”
“That is a decision for him to make if he is uncomfortable with the club and the direction Benji is taking us.”
Although head coach Benji Marshall was eager to move the back-rower to the New South Wales Cup during the 2024 NRL season, Bateman still has two years left on his four-year contract, which pays him over $650,000 annually.
