John Bateman set for reunion with ex-England coach after fresh transfer twist

Wayne Bennett is considering a reunion with John Bateman at South Sydney Rabbitohs. The English International, along with Super League-linked forward Matt Lodge, are both said to be on the radar of the supercoach heading into 2025.

Bateman shares a close bond with Bennett, who was England's coach from 2016 to 2018. And according to the Daily Telegraph, Bateman is one of several options the club is considering to strengthen their forward pack, using the remaining cap space from Lachlan Ilias' exit.

Wests Tigers eager to cut ties with 31-year-old Bateman, who has two years left to run on his contract with the club. Despite that, the Tigers want him gone and are even willing to contribute towards his salary to make a move come to fruition. It comes following intense reports that Bateman has had a fallout with Wests coach Benji Marshall.

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Manly Sea Eagles were initially linked with Bateman, though their interest has now cooled, but a move to the Rabbitohs with his former international boss could now be on the cards. The Bunnies have lost experience in their pack following the departures of Damien Cook and Tom Burgess, the latter of whom has joined Huddersfield Giants for 2025.

Bateman, who is still in the UK after ending the season with Warrington Wolves and playing for England in the Test series victory over Samoa, is due to return to Australia after the turn of the year.

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