BRADFORD native and England international John Bateman has completed his long-awaited loan move to Warrington for the rest of the season.
But nothing had been officially announced, even though another former Bulls superstar in Sam Burgess, now Wire’s head coach, confirmed that talks with Bateman had taken place.
And Warrington have now completed the deal, with the loan signing of Bateman revealed on their social media channels yesterday morning.
The former Bradford Dudley Hill junior told Wire’s in-house media team: “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity.
“I know how big of a club Warrington is and I know a few of the boys who speak very highly of the club.
“I’ve been involved in the big games throughout my career and hopefully I can bring that experience and know how at this stage of the season.
“I played with Sam in internationals for England and hearing how passionate he was to get me over was a big factor.
“I’ve played at The Halliwell Jones many times during my Wigan days and I’m looking forward to the fans being on my side this time round.
“I know how passionate they are and hopefully I can play a role in bringing them success.”
After coming through Bulls’ academy, Bateman had three successful seasons in the first team before moving to Wigan in November 2013.
In his first spell with the Warriors, he helped them win the Super League Grand Final twice, as well as winning the club’s Player of the Year award three times.
He then spent two seasons in the NRL with Canberra Raiders, before returning to Wigan and being part of the side that lifted the 2022 Challenge Cup.
Bateman returned to Australia ahead of the 2023 seasons, Wests signing him on a four-year deal.
He led the Tigers’ stats for offloads and tackles, but they finished bottom of the NRL, while he has only played for the club 12 times this season due to a pectoral injury he suffered against Newcastle Knights.
Bateman’s last game for Wests came at the weekend, as he made a costly late error in a 42-28 defeat to South Sydney Rabbitohs.
He still has two years left on his contract at the club, but it remains to be seen what happens after his loan with Warrington ends.
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