John Bateman among Wests Tigers players to be shopped to Super League in 'secret mission'

John Bateman has been named among a list of Wests Tigers players the club will shop to Super League clubs as part of a fire sale set to begin this week. The England star is reportedly one of several players that will be presented to clubs as a recruitment opportunity as the Australian club look to open up salary cap space.

The Tigers, who are now coached by Kiwi icon Benji Marshall, have already signed Penrith Panthers superstar Jarome Luai for the 2025 season and with the club having other recruitment and retention business to do, it is said that they need to move some players out to facilitate further business. Their CEO, Shane Richardson, is said to be flying to the UK this week.

And according to the Sydney Morning Herald, England star Bateman is among the players that Wests would consider moving on if it was to benefit the club's plans elsewhere. Bateman returned to the NRL last year from Wigan Warriors and remains under contract next season.

Other names that are mentioned in the report are Jayden Sullivan, though the 22-year-old halfback is already understood to have been offered to clubs recently. With Luai arriving, Sullivan looks set to drop down the pecking order.

Outside back Brent Naden, who played in an NRL Grand Final in 2020, is also mentioned, as well as young gun Latu Fainu. What will make things even more appealing to Super League clubs is the fact that Wests are reportedly willing to chip in financially, which may make players financially viable when they otherwise wouldn't be.

Bateman, 30, has remained a regular at Wests and has made eight appearances for the club this season.

Click here - Get the latest news on our Rugby League Live WhatsApp channel