John Bateman’s second coming in the NRL may be another short-lived one with the England international on the outer at the Wests Tigers.
Bateman joined the perennial wooden spooners in 2023 but was then allowed to leave on loan to Warrington late last season following a reported clash with Benji Marshall.
The shock switch back to the Super League unsurprisingly raised questions about Bateman’s long-term future at Concord, despite him still having two years remaining on his contract.
The backrower was adamant that he would return to the Tigers in the pre-season, yet a permanent departure now appears to be the favoured outcome for both parties.
The Sporting News takes a look at where John Bateman could play in 2025 if he remains in the NRL.
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Where will John Bateman play in 2025? Analysing NRL options for Wests Tigers star
Wests Tigers
Bateman is just one of several players who the Tigers are looking to get rid of as they attempt to rebuild their roster and climb up off the bottom of the ladder.
After first making the move Down Under to play for Canberra in 2019, Bateman announced himself on the scene with plenty of eye-catching displays for the Raiders.
However, his stay in the nation’s capital didn’t turn out to be a long one as he soon returned to England to link up with Wigan once again.
He then announced his return to the NRL via the Tigers on a lucrative four-year contract.
Bateman has clocked 32 games for the club to date, with the last of his appearances coming against South Sydney in Round 20.
During his venture over to the Wolves to play under Sam Burgess, the Tigers’ CEO Shane Richardson sent Bateman a strong message.
"He needs to want to be at the club for the crocodile roll that lies ahead," Richardson declared.
"If he’s not comfortable with the club and the direction Benji is taking us, that is a decision for him."
In his last public statement on the situation, the 31-year-old revealed that he would jet back to Australia after Christmas and was committed to seeing out his time at Concord.
However, according to The Daily Telegraph, relations have since soured even further between the two parties.
Sydney Roosters
Manly were heavily linked with a move for Bateman but this has since been ruled out with salary cap constraints ruling out this prospect.
A place where money is currently no issue is at the Sydney Roosters with a mass exit of talent leaving the club in a strong position within the market.
A wealth of experience has left with Joey Manu, Luke Keary and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves walking out the door. Bateman could help to address this balance in Bondi.
Following the Sea Eagles dropping out of contention for his signature, a report emerged of two other NRL clubs registering their interest in Bateman.
The Chooks already have the left edge locked down through Angus Crichton, yet the other side of the field is not as clear.
Victor Radley spent 12 games on an edge last season, with Nat Butcher losing his spot there in the middle of the season as he was instead used off the interchange bench.
The since-departed Sitili Tupouniua played nine games in the backrow during his final season at the club, while Siua Wong continued his gradual progression into the side with nine games predominately off the pine in 2024.
Newcastle Knights
Newcastle have plenty of decisions to make around the management of their roster with a host of stars off-contract.
Leo Thompson headlines this list, although Kai Pearce-Paul has also hit the open market after making a strong impression during his first season in the NRL.
Meanwhile, Adam Elliott has entered into the final year of his deal with his future uncertain in the Hunter.
A possible move for Bateman to take over in the No.13 jersey could be appealing to Adam O'Brien, with the veteran offering an array of attacking ability as well as strong defensive work through the middle.
Alternatively, Bateman could loom as a possible cut-price replacement for KPP, should the 23-year-old opt to move on to pastures new.
Dylan Lucas is the only backrower currently secured long-term which positions him right at the forefront of the club's plans, with Tyson Frizell potentially entering into the final year of his NRL career.
Dolphins
The Dolphins are currently preparing to begin life without Wayne Bennett for the first time, following his return to the Rabbitohs.
Along with his exit, the club are also on the lookout for a new captain after Jesse Bromwich's retirement.
The club's forward stocks are undoubtedly in a state of flux with Euan Aitken, Tevita Pangai Junior and Jarrod Wallace leaving, while Daniel Saifiti and Kulikefu Finefeuiaki have arrived.
Aitken had a backrow spot locked down before an injury prematurely ended his 2024 campaign, while Connelly Lemuelu occupied the other edge.
Finefeuiaki is set to be handed a major role following his move from North Queensland on a three-year deal, while Tom Gilbert's long-awaited return from multiple injury setbacks will provide the club with a massive boost.
Gilbert could be employed at lock ahead of Ray Stone or on an edge, with Bateman possibly complimenting these options with a move north.
