With the South Sydney Rabbitohs now surfacing as a possible destination for the Wests Tigers player in 2025, England forward John Bateman’s future is once again in the public eye. All off-season, Bateman’s future has been constantly scrutinised.
According to reports, Wests are willing to allow the forward leave the team with two years left on his contract. They are even willing to help out by paying a percentage of the player’s salary.
The former Wigan and Warrington player had been strongly linked to the Manly Sea Eagles, but it seems that they have cooled on a deal. Given that Benji Marshall insisted there had been no conflict between him and the player as had been rumoured in the media, it seemed very possible that Bateman would have to resume preseason training with Wests after Christmas.
However, according to the Daily Telegraph, Bateman might be pursued by South Sydney, bringing him back together with Wayne Bennett, his former England coach.
Following Lachlan Ilias’ release to join St George, the Souths have room on their salary cap and are allegedly amenable to a trade. Following their time together on the world stage, Bennett and Bateman have a solid bond.
Only one of those players would probably be able to join the Rabbitohs, as fellow forward Matt Lodge has also been connected to the team. However, Bateman’s name has surfaced as a possible choice for the team as they attempt to turn things around under Bennett in 2025.
Lewis Dodd, a scrum-half for St Helens, decided to join the NRL, therefore Bateman would be the second English player to join the team for the upcoming campaign. However, Bateman’s entrance or transfer—who has had a difficult few months—would cause far more controversy in Australia than Dodd’s move.
