He was handed a short-term release earlier this year.
John Bateman, who is under contract with the Wests Tigers until the end of 2026, was granted a short-term release for the remainder of 2024 just before this year’s transfer deadline. This allowed him to return to the English Super League and play the final weeks of the season with Warrington Wolves, while the remaining years of his lucrative Tigers contract remained intact.
Initially, it was speculated that Bateman, who had struggled for form at the Tigers under Benji Marshall’s coaching, might seek a full release from his contract with the Australian joint-venture club. However, according to the *Sydney Morning Herald*, Bateman now intends to return to the Tigers for the 2025 pre-season.
Tigers officials were reportedly hoping Bateman would request a release, which would free up over half a million dollars in salary cap space, aiding the club’s rebuild. The Tigers have already secured key signings for next year, including Penrith Panthers’ duo Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva, St. George Illawarra Dragons’ utility Jack Bird, and Canterbury Bulldogs’ outside back Jeral Skelton.
The Tigers, who finished the season with their third consecutive wooden spoon, though the first under Benji Marshall’s coaching, are looking to overhaul their squad. However, additional signings may be more difficult to secure after Bateman’s manager, Isaac Moses, confirmed to Tigers chairman Shane Richardson that Bateman will return in 2025.
The Tigers had hoped to offload several players for 2025, including Bateman, Jayden Sullivan, Brent Naden, and Charlie Staines. The club is also reportedly open to facilitating a move for David Klemmer, who, like Bateman, has underperformed relative to his hefty salary—believed to be around $800,000 per season—since joining the Tigers.