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
"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
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.
