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Why fading star’s return home sums up what’s wrong with Wests




You can forgive Englishman John Bateman for suffering the homesickness influenza during the hampered COVID-interrupted 2020 season. Living away from your family and familiarity is tough – but it left the Raiders in a sticky situation.

The former Green Machine star left the club with one season remaining on his contract – taking a pay cut to be reunited with his daughter Millie. He linked with Super League powerhouse Wigan for the 2021 season on a four-year deal.

While long-term a failed experiment for Canberra, Ricky Stuart brought out good quality footy from Bateman. The second-rower was making a name for himself as a strong line-runner with tremendous grit.

But the early exit left the Raiders out of pocket. Bateman’s Aussie trip cost the club $358,000 to transfer him across from Wigan. Of course, the Warriors weren’t complaining.

John Bateman. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

The 30-year-old has now backed coach Benji Marshall into a corner – requesting to return home and see out the rest of the season with the Warrington Wolves.

Marshall expects the back-rower to commit to the Tigers for the remaining two seasons of his contract – but who ditches a club during a tough time to seek greener pasture? It says a lot about a player’s commitment to the cause.

When the going is tough, they go – all the way back home for cash and a contract for the rest of the Super League season. While the Tigers are expected to save $150,000 from Bateman’s stint, it’s a snub towards the playing group and his attitude towards the NRL.

Warrington coach Sam Burgess gets to use the veteran forward for their finals fixtures, but the release seems beneficial for only one party – Bateman.

Sure, Wests pocket a little dough to spend elsewhere, but Bateman now has the Tigers by the tail. On a guaranteed $700,000 (annually) for the next two seasons – it would not be a surprise if he ends up on a beefed-up contract at Warrington.

His actions are a sorry sign for his Tigers teammates. Just because he’s an Englishman and has a passion for the Super League shouldn’t grant Bateman any right to leave Wests before season’s end with the team at the bottom of the ladder.

What if Api Koroisau was sick of the season and wished for a release to take a Super League sojourn? Yes, Bateman is not the captain, but he is a senior player. Furthermore, the late transfer is not for the advantage of development.

When David Nofoaluma was loaned to Melbourne in 2022, the deal was rather deemed a reward for the loyal winger. Nofoaluma, who tried his heart out for the Tigers years on end – had the opportunity to play finals footy. It was a win-win scenario. The speedster had played 10 seasons for Wests prior to his stint with the Storm. His only finals appearance throughout his 198-game career was a solitary match in 2022 with Melbourne.

Regardless of Bateman’s decision on his playing future, Benji should be telling the back rower to pack all of his bags and stay home for good.

Fool the NRL once, shame on you – fool it twice, same on it. Not only was he gifted an opportunity to return to Australia after turning his back on Stuart – but he has blatantly shown careless intentions. If Marshall is driving to create a cultural change, it starts with punishing acts like these.

Sure, he is a valuable player. His form in 2024 hasn’t been up to scratch, but on his day Bateman is a bully. With this fleeing attitude, $700,000 is well and truly overs. His experience speaks for itself.

A grand final appearance in 2019 and 66 NRL games, with a whopping 184 Super League caps that dates back to 2011. He debuted at just 17 years of age. Journeyman for sure – loyal man, questionable.

With Isaiah Papalii heading towards the exit, logistically it makes sense for the Tigers to hold Bateman.

Add on the fact that Wests struggle to lure in strong players – Benji must be walking on a tightrope. Unease could bring volatility at any minute, and with losses mounting left, right and centre, it must be incredibly hard to keep the roster happy.

Imagine the discussions at training. John (Bateman) can go anywhere, why can’t I? The issue is, the Tigers lack a united playing group. Other than Koroisau, who at Wests would Bateman listen to?

Someone who could pull the player into line and tell him you don’t run when the chips are down. Strong management would do so.

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