John Bateman would welcome the prospect of reuniting with Jack Wighton at Wests Tigers if the in-demand Raider opts to leave the nation’s capital.
Wighton’s is the most sought-after signature in the game after the NSW and Australian representative opted to test his value on the open market. His decision not to immediately take up an option to remain in Canberra, coupled with the interest from rival clubs, has prompted the Raiders to table a four-year, $4.4 million extension that would result in the 30-year-old finishing his career as a one-club man.
Bateman and Wighton spent two seasons together at Canberra, which included the club’s 2019 grand final appearance. After a stint at Wigan, Bateman returned to the NRL in a bid to help the Tigers climb back up the ladder, a task that would be made easier if reunited with Wighton.
“I haven’t spoken to him but he’s a very good player,” Bateman said.
“I played with him for two years in Canberra, he’s a very good player who’s gone on to play for NSW and obviously won the World Cup last year.
“He’s a great bloke and if he wants to come here, he can feel free to come here. The more better players, you’d take them in your squad.
John Bateman would like to reunite with Jack Wighton at Wests Tigers.Credit:Getty
“I’m sure Jack will make the right decision. He’s a fantastic player, but Jack needs to make the decision based on what he wants.
“I’m sure Jack’s got something in his mind in what he needs to do.
“Jack’s 30 years old now so this will probably be the biggest [deal] in his career.”
Tigers coach Tim Sheens opted to rest Bateman for the opening two rounds of the season, claiming the English international needed time to acclimatise after visa issues delayed his arrival in Australia.
The move sparked speculation that Bateman was carrying a preexisting injury that potentially required surgery, a rumour the 29-year-old was quick to quash.
“That’s the first I know of it, if I need an op,” Batman said.
“Someone else must be saying it, but it’s the first I know of it. I feel good. I literally had a three-week pre-season, and normally I have a three-month pre-season. For me, it’s just about getting the [kilometres], I’ve been topping up on little stuff to get them into myself.
“I will get there. I’m enjoying it, to be fair, it’s a challenge to myself, but I’m enjoying being out there and doing the things I have to do.
“I just want to go out there and win now, that’s the most important thing for me.”
Stream the NRL Premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
