John Bateman latest as West Tigers chiefs make statement on players future

John Bateman's future still lays at Wests Tigers—so long as he wants it to. That's the verdict of head coach Benji Marshall and CEO Shane Richardson, who have spoken of the players status amid recent speculation on his future.

Bateman spent the second half of the 2024 season on loan at Super League outfit Warrington Wolves, with reports suggesting that the 31-year-old, who is contracted for another two years at the Sydney club, has attracted interest from NRL rival Manly Sea Eagles.

Speaking to media, Marshall has conceded that he is unsure what is happening with the player, but he has had conversations regarding Bateman's future at the joint venture, which saw Balmain Tigers and Western Suburbs merge together back in 2000. Marshall, a club legend, also denied that there is a rift between the two figures, something that emerged in Australian media over the last few weeks.

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Reports have suggested that the Tigers are willing to let Bateman move on and even contribute to his salary, with the player, who featured once again for England against Samoa this autumn, not due back for training until after Christmas.

"I’m actually unsure, to be honest," Marshall said when asked about Bateman’s future. "What I will say though is that what’s been reported about is false. I haven’t had a falling out with John.

"I’ve had honest discussions and in-house discussions around where John’s future is. Those discussions will remain private, but the things that have been reported are not true."

Meanwhile, Richardson has stated that the club will honour Bateman's contract, with the edge forward playing a role in their 2025 rebuild, which centres around the signing of four-peat Penrith Panthers half-back Jarome Luai.

Richardson added: "John’s got a contract for next year. We honour every contract at the club, so if John wants to be here for the next two years, then he’ll be here for the next two years. That’s a decision between him and his manager.

"We’ve got plans for what we want to do in the future, and we want every player who wants to be a part of that. It’s as simple as that. That’s up to John Bateman. I can’t answer for John Bateman. I’d like to, but I can’t."

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