Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson has made a strong statement regarding John Bateman’s return to the NRL in 2025, signaling that full commitment is expected from the English back-rower. Bateman, who was allowed to leave his contract with the Tigers early in 2024, joined Warrington Wolves for the remainder of the Super League season. This move raised some eyebrows, particularly in Australia, where fans and commentators speculated about Bateman’s relationship with Wests Tigers head coach Benji Marshall.
Bateman’s departure to Warrington came as a surprise to many, as he had only recently rejoined the NRL in 2023, after a stint in Super League and earlier seasons with the Canberra Raiders. His return to England in the middle of a season led some to question whether the Tigers and their new coach, Benji Marshall, were aligned with Bateman’s future plans. However, despite the speculation, Bateman made a significant impact during his short time with the Wolves, scoring one try in 10 appearances and playing a crucial role in helping the team reach the semi-finals of the Super League play-offs, where they were defeated by Hull KR.
Bateman’s form was strong enough to earn him a spot in Shaun Wane’s England squad for the upcoming international Test series against Samoa. Currently, Bateman is busy preparing for the first of two Tests, which will take place at the Brick Community Stadium next week. His performances for England will be closely monitored, not only by fans but by his club back in Australia, as his situation with the Tigers will be a hot topic upon his return to Sydney after the Test series concludes.
Ahead of Bateman’s return, Richardson has emphasized the importance of commitment to the Tigers’ cause. Speaking to the media, Richardson made it clear that any player, including Bateman, must be fully on board with the direction in which head coach Benji Marshall is taking the team. “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,” Richardson stated, referencing the challenges that lie ahead for the Tigers.
Richardson’s comments suggest that while the Tigers value Bateman’s contributions, they expect nothing less than total commitment from him and all players as they rebuild under Marshall’s leadership. The Tigers have had a challenging few seasons, and with Marshall, a club legend, at the helm, there is a clear focus on uniting the squad behind a common goal. For Bateman, the message is clear: if he’s not fully committed to the team and its direction, it will be his decision to make regarding his future with the club.
As Bateman returns to Australia following the international series, all eyes will be on his next steps with the Tigers and how he integrates back into the squad. His talent and experience are unquestionable, but the club’s leadership has set clear expectations regarding his attitude and commitment moving forward.
