At the moment in the backrow it's either him or Seyfarth, and i'd much prefer Bateman. If he goes i'm fine with it, but there's no point in us paying a chunk of his salary when he'd be in our starting 13 anyway. Unless we've got someone lined up i'd probably rather he stay.Honestly I don’t know what the big fuss is with Bateman. We’ve let go way too many forwards and got nothing in return for too long now. I for one hope he comes back and plays some good footy.Bateman said: "I don't know where that came from. It is what it is. Like I said, I'm going back there.
The last player that said that didn't go too well.
Our trouble and has been for like eternity our front row and bench props. Let’s get that sorted first and go from there. Heck with Luia at 6/7 now our back rowers might get a chance with the ball a shade more.
He’s a quality player John, but does have to show it more consistently. But moving forward I still wouldn’t mind him still being there. If not I’m hoping for a like for like replacement.
@avocadoontoast Bateman is a has been , burnt his bridges when the heat was applied he melted like a fresh crap in the Nullarbor!
John Bateman admits he was never in top shape at Wests Tigers but that has all changed after a gruelling pre-season at North Queensland.
The 31-year-old England international, signed to the Cowboys until the end of 2026, has turned the cliche of "training the house down" into a reality in the searing heat, rain and humidity in Townsville.
Bateman was released from the final two years of his deal with the Tigers, who are chipping in half of his contract.
The terrier back-rower didn't find the form at the joint venture that he showcased at Canberra, saying his fitness was the issue.
"The last couple of years I probably haven't been fit. When I signed for the Tigers the first year I came late in February and last year I had my ankle op.," he said.
Ya think!?
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
So how much of his contract is he giving back to the club? What a goose. Hope he gets absolutely smashed this year
I didn't mind his defense, aside from stupid penalties he gave away at marker. However, his attack was woeful. I also hate it when guys like him failed to deliver, then go to a new team and make up excuses, no class.
First year he was late. I recall Sheens making all sorts of excuses for him, visa problems etc yet other international players at other clubs seemed to not suffer from these problems when arriving in Oz
First year he was late. I recall Sheens making all sorts of excuses for him, visa problems etc yet other international players at other clubs seemed to not suffer from these problems when arriving in Oz
Yes, from memory his signature was announced Boxing Day and he didn’t land until the week before the second trial.
He got some leniency from the fans that first year. Last year though was just taking the piss!
Wests Tigers Podcast - Talking everything Wests Tigers!
Well his coming to the tropics has brought some rain with him. Think he’ll go alright up there. Might have something to do with coaching system.
Well his coming to the tropics has brought some rain with him. Think he’ll go alright up there. Might have something to do with coaching system.
it's not April. He wouldn't be there yet
Talk is cheap... let's revisit this mid-season and see how things are panning our for John!
