Hopefully the club has a lock or additional second rower in mind if spots come available
Looks like Fainu gets Sullivan’s spot. Bateman is going to be the interesting one.
I still think Sione would be wasted use of the next available roster spot.
By the sound of it from yesterday he’s well and truly part of the NRL squad so the club might disagree.
Keeping a spot open with Bateman gone probably isn’t a bad option through Jan-Feb.
My opinion is that second row, centre and lock are the priorities in our top 30 and Sione does not help with any of those postions.
Probably correct, but screwing around with Sione would not help with keeping Samuela & Latu happy. We could always do with Sione as depth. I get what you are say Garry and would prioritise a 2RF, centre or lock but for the reason I gave and possibly due to commitments made to Sione, I think he will take the next spot. Looks like we might ahve a couple available anyway.
Typically I would prefer that the final roster spot be NOT filled and to intentionally start the season with 29 filled to give flexibility if anything comes up, but if Bateman is let go, we desperately need a 2RF.
We should not have promised him a spot if we have. As you said Sione would be depth and we still need a starting centre, second rower and possibly lock.
Would you have said that in October, after Stef had left and prior to signing May & Pole? He has clearly stood aside to give those roster spots for the good of the club. Needs to be rewarded and our word made good for the sake of the club. He was clearly insurance.
100% I would have said it then, thing is though even if I wouldn't have we have since signed May and extended Pole and right now we have bigger priorities than a depth prop.
It is also obvious that they club prioritised May and Pole over him.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
@garry Si is a victim of the club giving top 30 spots to young players who have not earned them ie Feledy, Sukaru, Tumeth etc That aside he is definitely worth keeping. Hopefully they get moved on with a few others so we can add to our depth.
@garry Si is a victim of the club giving top 30 spots to young players who have not earned them ie Feledy, Sukaru, Tumeth etc That aside he is definitely worth keeping. Hopefully they get moved on with a few others so we can add to our depth.
I agree, I think he earnt a spot last season and showed enough that he would be an asset moving forward. I just don't think we have that roster spot until we move on at least 2 players, possibly 3.
In memory of Geoff Chisholm (1965-2022)
Hopefully the club has a lock or additional second rower in mind if spots come available
Looks like Fainu gets Sullivan’s spot. Bateman is going to be the interesting one.
I still think Sione would be wasted use of the next available roster spot.
By the sound of it from yesterday he’s well and truly part of the NRL squad so the club might disagree.
Keeping a spot open with Bateman gone probably isn’t a bad option through Jan-Feb.
My opinion is that second row, centre and lock are the priorities in our top 30 and Sione does not help with any of those postions.
Probably correct, but screwing around with Sione would not help with keeping Samuela & Latu happy. We could always do with Sione as depth. I get what you are say Garry and would prioritise a 2RF, centre or lock but for the reason I gave and possibly due to commitments made to Sione, I think he will take the next spot. Looks like we might ahve a couple available anyway.
Typically I would prefer that the final roster spot be NOT filled and to intentionally start the season with 29 filled to give flexibility if anything comes up, but if Bateman is let go, we desperately need a 2RF.
We should not have promised him a spot if we have. As you said Sione would be depth and we still need a starting centre, second rower and possibly lock.
Would you have said that in October, after Stef had left and prior to signing May & Pole? He has clearly stood aside to give those roster spots for the good of the club. Needs to be rewarded and our word made good for the sake of the club. He was clearly insurance.
100% I would have said it then, thing is though even if I wouldn't have we have since signed May and extended Pole and right now we have bigger priorities than a depth prop.
It is also obvious that they club prioritised May and Pole over him.
Agree 100% but it seem clear to me that they gave Sione commitments back then and they need to follow through.
Bateman gone ..Cowboys , one down one to go ! What a great Xmas present 😹
how good Bateman gone
Sullivan to souths by end of week hopefully
Where are you guys seeing this? I havent seen it official anywhere? Bateman to Cowboys makes no sense with Luki, Nanai, Shibasaki, Taumalolo even Hess I'd have before him.
Confirmed by WT. See ya Bateman!
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@helmesy You were right and I couldn't be happier!
Still think he’ll be a loss …. But I do hope he takes a truckload of sunscreen 😂🤣🤪Confirmed by WT. See ya Bateman!
Wests Tigers release John Bateman
Author Wests Tigers
Timestamp Wed 18 Dec 2024, 12:00 PM
Wests Tigers has released John Bateman from the remaining two years of his contract, paving the way for a new deal at North Queensland Cowboys.
Bateman played 32 NRL games for Wests Tigers in two seasons after joining the club on a four-year-deal ahead of the 2023 season.
Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson has thanked Bateman for his services.
“On behalf of everyone at the club I want to thank John and wish him all the very best with his future.”
