Sam Burgess on Warrington Wolves move for John Bateman

However, he insisted that nothing has been finalised yet as he closes in on bringing his former England teammate to The Halliwell Jones Stadium.

Reports this morning emerged that Bateman was in line for a shock, short-term move to Warrington for what remains of the 2024 season before returning to current club Wests Tigers in the NRL for the remainder of his contract.

And when asked about the deal, Burgess confirmed talks have taken place but that the deal was still not over the line.

Burgess and Bateman played together for England at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup (Image: Anthony Au-Yeung)

“I've spoken to Shane Richardson (Wests CEO) and Benji (Marshall, Wests head coach) there,” he said.

“Nothing is finalised, it is a bit of an idea, I've spoken to John as well but nothing is finalised.

“We felt there might be an opportunity there, we've got space to do something but like I said, I can't really confirm anything because there's nothing to do confirm so we're just working on it.

“It's just an opportunity for us to strengthen what we've already got. It's pointless talking about it.

“We all know what John can bring – he's a great competitor, he's got some great rugby in front of him but there's no point talking about what he can bring until we actually bring him here.

“If we get anything confirmed then we'll let you guys know as soon as possible, we won't hold that back but it's still a bit away yet.

“There's a couple of different variables. He's got a great agreement out there in the NRL.

“John came through the Bradford system with my brothers underneath me came through with a group of players like Elliott Whitehead and we're all still great mates, always have been since being young lads.

“There's plenty going for it but I've got to address it because you're asking about it – ideally I wouldn't want to talk about it because there's nothing to confirm so a lot of it is just speculation for now.

“There's a bit to get done.”