BRADFORD icon John Bateman is heading back to Australia for a second stint in the NRL, after signing a four-year deal with Sydney-based side Wests Tigers.

The West Bowling native began his career at Bulls as a teenager, and proved his worth as one of the most talented young second rowers in Super League.

Wigan came calling in 2013, paying Bradford £80,000 for Bateman's services, and he has had two successful spells at the Warriors.

Those spells in Greater Manchester were broken up by a move to NRL side Canberra Raiders.

Despite a successful first season in the Australian capital, where he was named in the NRL's Dally M Team of the year for 2019, Covid complications made life harder in year two.

It culminated in Bateman moving back to Wigan for the 2021 season, and he helped them to Challenge Cup glory earlier this year, following on from their two Super League triumphs and one World Club Challenge title during his first spell.

Wigan admitted in a club statement that this year has been a challenging and frustrating one regarding Bateman's future.

They said: "The club first heard murmurings that John Bateman wanted to leave in July.

"After speaking to John, his agent and the club in question, we made it clear that we wanted John to remain at Wigan and the matter was closed.

"During the World Cup campaign, John let the club know of his desire to go back to the NRL.

"He asked to get the World Cup out of the way first, and then pick up discussions.

"With our desire to help England to do well in the tournament, we agreed to wait.

"After the tournament, John went on holiday and expressed his uncertainty regarding his future and requested time again to sort out in his own mind what he wanted to do.

"On Wednesday, December 14, John informed us of his decision that he wants to try the NRL one more time.

"It has been somewhat of a frustrating period but the club now accepts that it is in everyone’s best interests that John is allowed a transfer from Wigan.

"On Friday, December 23, the paperwork was completed.

"In situations like this, there are obvious consequences.

"The uncertainty surrounding John's future means that we have had to delay the squad numbers.

"The squad numbers have now been signed off and will be communicated between Christmas and New Year.

"Secondly, there will be no immediate replacement for John as players have their contracts agreed with their clubs.

"As always in these situations, we have acted with the best interests of the club at heart and we will continue to act in that manner.

"The club received a significant transfer fee for John. We thank John for his service over his two stints and we wish him well."