JOHN Bateman’s time at Warrington Wolves is likely to be short, but it could end up being very sweet.
If that is to be the case, there will be plenty of games in which the club have historically struggled – the big, “pressure” games that arrive at the end of the season.
The back-rower has been in plenty of those on both sides of the globe, and he hopes his experience of being on the right side of them will come in handy.
News of the England international’s shock move to The Wire from NRL side Wests Tigers first emerged earlier this week, with the club today confirming his impending arrival on a short-term deal.
He will spend the remainder of the 2024 campaign at The Halliwell Jones Stadium – a place he is looking forward to calling home having played there many times as an opposition player over two trophy-laden spells with Wigan Warriors as well as with hometown club Bradford Bulls.
With Wigan, he picked up every available trophy while he also reached an NRL Grand Final with Canberra Raiders in 2019, a year in which he also picked up the Dally M back-rower of the year award.
Now, he is looking to give Warrington and his former England teammate Sam Burgess the benefit of his experience.
“I’m really looking forward to the opportunity,” he said.
“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.”
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