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John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 8, 2018, 10:10 pm
by edwahu
Looks like the deal is finally done. Two years plus one year option in his favour and then he must go back to Wigan to take up a three year marquee deal.

John Bateman: Wigan Warriors back-rower to join Canberra Raiders in NRL

England international John Bateman will leave Wigan Warriors to join National Rugby League side Canberra Raiders on a two-year deal from the 2019 season.

"It's great to know I'll be returning here (to Wigan)," Bateman said. "This has been an incredibly tough decision for me to make as I have enjoyed my time at Wigan so much but, ultimately, I have always had the desire to play in the NRL at some point in my career. This opportunity is something I didn't want to turn down."

Read more: https://www.bbc.com/sport/rugby-league/45112383

Official statement

John Bateman will leave Wigan Warriors at the end of the season to take up a contract in the NRL after Wigan recieved a significant transfer fee for the England international.

Bateman, who has signed a two-year contract with an option for a third year with a NRL side for an undisclosed fee, has also agreed a three-year deal to become Wigan’s marquee player when he returns to the Betfred Super League.

John Bateman: “This has been an incredibly tough decision for me to make as I have enjoyed my time at Wigan so much but, ultimately, I have always had the desire to play in the NRL at some point in my career so this opportunity something I didn’t want to turn down. Wigan did all they could, in my opinion, to keep me here but I was always upfront with them regarding my motivation to play in a different competition.

“Although I’m sad to be leaving the Warriors, it’s great to know I’ll be returning here in a couple of years. I’d like to thank both Ian Lenagan and Kris Radlinski for offering me the opportunity to return to the Club. My attention now is solely on helping Wigan as much as possible in the remainder of the Betfred Super League season and to repay the Wigan fans for their support.”

Chairman, Ian Lenagan commented: “John was adamant that he wanted to try his hand in the NRL and, once it became clear to us that he couldn’t be persuaded, we wanted to ensure that the Club gained the best deal in these set of circumstances. I believe we have done so. Despite John’s experience, he is still only 24-years old and, throughout our discussions, he has made it clear to us that he is determined to return to Wigan in the future. He will do so as a better player then, entering the peak years of his career, so we will look forward to welcoming him back to the Club.”

Kris Radlinski, Executive Director: “We offered John marquee player status and an increased leadership role moving forward but he was very honest with us about his desire to test himself in the NRL.

“There’s no ill-feeling or bitterness towards John who has been upfront with us throughout our conversations. It’s always hard to lose a player of John’s calibre but we are happy to have agreed his return to the Warriors once he’s finished his time in the NRL.

“With the recent signing of Joe Greenwood from the NRL to add to Liam Farrell and Willie Isa, coupled with promising youngsters such as Liam Paisley coming through the ranks, we still have plenty of quality in our second row department that we can call upon.”

Read more: http://wiganwarriors.com/news/2018-08-0 ... eave-wigan

Re: John Bateman Signs

Posted: August 8, 2018, 10:18 pm
by bonehead
significant transfer fee

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Re: John Bateman Signs

Posted: August 8, 2018, 10:21 pm
by edwahu
I'm still not sure if that definitely counts on the cap. We should argue against it based on the precedent set with Burgess.

https://www.zerotackle.com/burgess-tran ... cap-19491/

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 8, 2018, 10:39 pm
by Schifty
If the transfer fee counts as out cap it might explain why we are in salary cap trouble.

Also unless he has the impact Josh Hodgson has it's going to be hard to argue that transfer fee was worth it.

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 8, 2018, 11:07 pm
by Rick
I am struggling to see where he fits in the line up. Tarpine has been killing it on an edge. Whitehead to to Lock, Papali to Prop?


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Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 8, 2018, 11:08 pm
by -TW-
Papa will move into the prop rotation

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 8, 2018, 11:11 pm
by CJ42
Do you move whitehead to lock? I tend to think you do over tapine... it’s a hard choice.


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Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 8, 2018, 11:12 pm
by edwahu
I dont agree with it but I think Tapine goes to lock.

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 8, 2018, 11:46 pm
by greeneyed
Looks like a very strangely structured deal. Why would the Raiders let him go back to England after three years if he’s successful? I guess they’re just expecting that’ll change in three years time.

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 12:34 am
by RedRaider
He is not a big man by current NRL forwards standards. I am interested in his ability to play center. We would not have bought an International to be a back up player. I wonder if the plan is to use him there. :hmmm

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 12:52 am
by zim
I've had Tapine at lock in my 2019 side since we thought Bateman was coming. Every week makes it harder to keep him there though. He's in very good form.

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 3:22 am
by FROG
Looks like a ridiculous deal for us. If he's rubbish as many UK players are we are stuck with him for up to 3 years. If he is good then we lose him as he is entering his prime as a player. Presumably we'd have to pay another transfer fee for him to break his contract again in 3 years and resign with us. I just don't see the point. Our premiership window is closed in 2019 so what's the point!!

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 4:45 am
by kiwi raider
Transfer fees don’t count towards the cap so whether we paid one is irrelevant really, all it means is a bit of money we make from pokies/property investments gets paid to wigan. Doesn’t effect the nrl/rugby league side of the club.

The deal to return to Wigan is strange though but I wonder if that has to be in 2/3 years time or just when he returns to the super league? Anyway a lot can happen in 3 years and if he’s killing it and really wants to stay I’m sure we’ll work something out

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 6:04 am
by CJ42
Do you move whitehead to lock? I tend to think you do over tapine... it’s a hard choice.


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Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 6:18 am
by Brew
Rick wrote:I am struggling to see where he fits in the line up. Tarpine has been killing it on an edge. Whitehead to to Lock, Papali to Prop?


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Maybe Elliott is our new Five Eight 🤣🤣


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Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 6:29 am
by Dusty
I’ve mentioned it before in other threads but I’ll share again.

My mate in the UK thinks this is a great signing. He believes his best position is lock and he described him as a ‘pit bull’ type in that position. That’s where I think Ricky will play him....

8. Sutton/Lui/Knight/Soliola
9. Hodgson
10. Papalii
11. Tapine
12. Whitehead
13. J. Bateman


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Re: John Bateman Signs

Posted: August 9, 2018, 7:28 am
by -PJ-
bonehead wrote: August 8, 2018, 10:18 pm significant transfer fee

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Now I get why Dunamis is playing for peanuts....

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 7:31 am
by -PJ-
greeneyed wrote: August 8, 2018, 11:46 pm Looks like a very strangely structured deal. Why would the Raiders let him go back to England after three years if he’s successful? I guess they’re just expecting that’ll change in three years time.
The moment he arrives he gets the tour of that great city..

And that means..

Bike tracks !!!!

He'll then ring Wigan and say" I'm in love with Canberra, youse never see my white butt again"

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 7:49 am
by Lucy
So we threw a **** tonne of cash at Wigan to develop their player for them?

Good work Ricky, Peter, Don and Co. Outstanding recruitment effort.

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Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 8:15 am
by chris83
Are we a development club for wigan now?

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 8:18 am
by hobbsy
Captain Punish wrote: August 9, 2018, 7:49 am So we threw a **** tonne of cash at Wigan to develop their player for them?

Good work Ricky, Peter, Don and Co. Outstanding recruitment effort.

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Little do they know Ricky will just train him out of position and leave him on the bench for 80 minutes a game, ruining his development.

So, uh...jokes on them I guess?

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 8:27 am
by Botman
3 years is a long time in sport, a lot can change in that period... just because he's signed a deal for Wigan doesnt mean he'll see it out... but it's a strange thing for the Raiders to do, we've already paid a "significant transfer fee"
if this guy is good, looks like Wigan have set themselves up to double dip and collect another transfer fee in 2021 or whatever

Also if we've signed him and given up a significant transfer fee, he's probably not coming here as anything but one of our top 5-7 highest paid players

He'll need to be Elliott Whitehead to be worth it. This regime has, on the balance, been very good in recruitment out of England, so they deserve the BOTD here but im more than a little concerned. I dont like the look of this at all

If he is an out and out back rower, and everything i read says he is, then from team construction stand point, Papalii to the front row and Elliott Whitehead to #13 is the best move, Tapine and Bateman in the backrow

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 8:31 am
by Rickmando
These terms are puzzling.

What motivation is there for both player and club when you know it’s just a “rental”? Is he here for a payday?

If Bateman was a genuine superstar of he sport a la Ellery Hanley back in the day, sure, maybe you consider less favourable terms in order to secure the signature.

But the club have signed themselves into a situation that not only costs them cash up front before the player laces a boot, but also removes the opportunity to lock him in longer term at a good price in the event he happens to be any good at football.

I can’t imagine any other organisation agreeing to this. **** this club

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 8:35 am
by -PJ-
I'm a little surprised he chose Canberra.

He obviously wanted to try himself in the NRL and I'm sure his manager put feelers out to get some interest. Maybe the Raiders were the only club keen but I highly doubt it.

Bateman would have been aware of our clubs current position and is still keen. I hope he turns out to be half the player Whitehead is..that'll be great.

But be prepared Johnny..you've got a tough preseason and about 15mins of trial footy to get through.

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 8:36 am
by Lucy
hobbsy wrote:
Captain Punish wrote: August 9, 2018, 7:49 am So we threw a **** tonne of cash at Wigan to develop their player for them?

Good work Ricky, Peter, Don and Co. Outstanding recruitment effort.

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Little do they know Ricky will just train him out of position and leave him on the bench for 80 minutes a game, ruining his development.

So, uh...jokes on them I guess?
The silver lining..

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Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 8:38 am
by Lucy
-PJ- wrote:I'm a little surprised he chose Canberra.

He obviously wanted to try himself in the NRL and I'm sure his manager put feelers out to get some interest. Maybe the Raiders were the only club keen but I highly doubt it.

Bateman would have been aware of our clubs current position and is still keen. I hope he turns out to be half the player Whitehead is..that'll be great.

But be prepared Johnny..you've got a tough preseason and about 15mins of trial footy to get through.
He chose Canberra because at the end of 2 seasons, walking out on back to back12th - 14th's to head back and be a marquee player on fat stacks in the ESL is great. Walking out on a competitive, professionally run, top 8 team in the best comp in the world would be much harder.

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Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 8:48 am
by Matt
Pigman wrote: August 9, 2018, 8:27 am 3 years is a long time in sport, a lot can change in that period... just because he's signed a deal for Wigan doesnt mean he'll see it out... but it's a strange thing for the Raiders to do, we've already paid a "significant transfer fee"
if this guy is good, looks like Wigan have set themselves up to double dip and collect another transfer fee in 2021 or whatever.

Also if we've signed him and given up a significant transfer fee, he's probably not coming here as anything but one of our top 5-7 highest paid players

He'll need to be Elliott Whitehead to be worth it. This regime has, on the balance, been very good in recruitment out of England, so they deserve the BOTD here but im more than a little concerned.

If he is an out and out back rower, and everything i read says he is, then from team construction stand point, Papalii to the front row and Elliott Whitehead to #13 is the best move, Tapine and Bateman in the backrow
I agree.
Though Im hearing that people in England think he is a better lock. Either way, a reshuffle is required, and we have placed a huge bet on his success.

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 8:49 am
by Matt
-PJ- wrote: August 9, 2018, 8:35 am I'm a little surprised he chose Canberra.

He obviously wanted to try himself in the NRL and I'm sure his manager put feelers out to get some interest. Maybe the Raiders were the only club keen but I highly doubt it.

Bateman would have been aware of our clubs current position and is still keen. I hope he turns out to be half the player Whitehead is..that'll be great.

But be prepared Johnny..you've got a tough preseason and about 15mins of trial footy to get through.
I think Sia, Hodgo and Whitey might have something to do with it too.

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 8:51 am
by Matt
Captain Punish wrote: August 9, 2018, 8:38 am
-PJ- wrote:I'm a little surprised he chose Canberra.

He obviously wanted to try himself in the NRL and I'm sure his manager put feelers out to get some interest. Maybe the Raiders were the only club keen but I highly doubt it.

Bateman would have been aware of our clubs current position and is still keen. I hope he turns out to be half the player Whitehead is..that'll be great.

But be prepared Johnny..you've got a tough preseason and about 15mins of trial footy to get through.
He chose Canberra because at the end of 2 seasons, walking out on back to back12th - 14th's to head back and be a marquee player on fat stacks in the ESL is great. Walking out on a competitive, professionally run, top 8 team in the best comp in the world would be much harder.

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Unfortunately, there might be something in that too

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 8:54 am
by -PJ-
Matt wrote: August 9, 2018, 8:49 am
-PJ- wrote: August 9, 2018, 8:35 am I'm a little surprised he chose Canberra.

He obviously wanted to try himself in the NRL and I'm sure his manager put feelers out to get some interest. Maybe the Raiders were the only club keen but I highly doubt it.

Bateman would have been aware of our clubs current position and is still keen. I hope he turns out to be half the player Whitehead is..that'll be great.

But be prepared Johnny..you've got a tough preseason and about 15mins of trial footy to get through.
I think Sia, Hodgo and Whitey might have something to do with it too.
And Burgess, Graham and Widdop didn't bother..

Hey I'm happy to give him a go and I hope it works out for him and us..we need something.

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 8:54 am
by T_R
I woudn't worry too much about the ESL contract. I would be very surprised if the first line isn't something along the lines of 'In preference to any other ESL club, I agree to return to...'.

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 8:55 am
by Matt
T_R wrote: August 9, 2018, 8:54 am I woudn't worry too much about the ESL contract. I would be very surprised if the first line isn't something along the lines of 'In preference to any other ESL club, I agree to return to...'.
Trust a lawyer, right TR?!?!? :lol:

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 8:55 am
by Sid
Should only ever expect a player for however long their contract is for anyhow.

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 9:01 am
by Matt
-PJ- wrote: August 9, 2018, 8:54 am
Matt wrote: August 9, 2018, 8:49 am
-PJ- wrote: August 9, 2018, 8:35 am I'm a little surprised he chose Canberra.

He obviously wanted to try himself in the NRL and I'm sure his manager put feelers out to get some interest. Maybe the Raiders were the only club keen but I highly doubt it.

Bateman would have been aware of our clubs current position and is still keen. I hope he turns out to be half the player Whitehead is..that'll be great.

But be prepared Johnny..you've got a tough preseason and about 15mins of trial footy to get through.
I think Sia, Hodgo and Whitey might have something to do with it too.
And Burgess, Graham and Widdop didn't bother..

Hey I'm happy to give him a go and I hope it works out for him and us..we need something.
Im not saying the Burgi didnt give their 4 and 20 bobs worth, esp as they are from similar places and all played for the Bradford Bulls.
Ill bet Graham and Widdop pitched their case too.

Re: John Bateman signs with Canberra Raiders

Posted: August 9, 2018, 9:03 am
by -PJ-
Matt wrote: August 9, 2018, 9:01 am
-PJ- wrote: August 9, 2018, 8:54 am
Matt wrote: August 9, 2018, 8:49 am
-PJ- wrote: August 9, 2018, 8:35 am I'm a little surprised he chose Canberra.

He obviously wanted to try himself in the NRL and I'm sure his manager put feelers out to get some interest. Maybe the Raiders were the only club keen but I highly doubt it.

Bateman would have been aware of our clubs current position and is still keen. I hope he turns out to be half the player Whitehead is..that'll be great.

But be prepared Johnny..you've got a tough preseason and about 15mins of trial footy to get through.
I think Sia, Hodgo and Whitey might have something to do with it too.
And Burgess, Graham and Widdop didn't bother..

Hey I'm happy to give him a go and I hope it works out for him and us..we need something.
Im not saying the Burgi didnt give their 4 and 20 bobs worth, esp as they are from similar places and all played for the Bradford Bulls.
Ill bet Graham and Widdop pitched their case too.
Bateman must of heard about this superior coach from the A.C.T and wanted in....