FORMER Warrington Wolves man John Bateman has been issued a warning ahead of his return to Wests Tigers.
The back-rower, currently still in the UK for England’s autumn international Test Series against Samoa, joined Warrington late in the 2024 Super League season after falling out of favour with Wests Tigers management earlier this year.
Despite his short-term move to the northern hemisphere, there was never any concern that Bateman wouldn’t return to Australia.
Wests chief executive Shane Richardson has cautioned John Bateman, making it clear that his return won’t be without challenges.
“We don’t want any player who doesn’t want to be at the club for the tough times ahead, and that applies to every player, including John Bateman,” Richardson told *The Daily Telegraph*.
“If he’s not comfortable with the club and the direction Benji [Marshall] is taking us, that’s a decision for him to make.”
Bateman, who still has two years left on his four-year contract, earns over $650,000 per season. However, head coach Benji Marshall was prepared to demote the back-rower to the New South Wales Cup during the 2024 NRL season.