I’d be surprised if he goes back to Wests, been rumoured for a while that they were looking to move him on and SL is the obvious destination. What we should hopefully get is a fully committed player - still only 30 I think? Playing for a contract somewhere in SL. Gives us that extra flexibility in terms of centre position too. Wests likely contributing to his salary and only £100k cap value. Seems a smart move,

If it goes well he could end up as Nicholson’s replacement. Holroyd would still get plenty of game time covering 2x 30+ year old back rowers for the next couple of years, and if he is to base his game on anyone, Bateman would be a pretty good option.

I love what Holroyd has brought this year, absolutely fearless and playing far beyond his weight. But I think that as his work rate and effort is massive and I'd hate to see him get burnt out, it would also be sensible to spell him occasionally with someone like Bateman. Given it appears to just be a loan until the end of the season I see no harm in it.

https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sp ... n-bateman/

https://www.warringtonguardian.co.uk/sp ... n-bateman/

Seems not the done deal yet.

Hopefully just a case of Sam learning to keep quiet until there has been an official announcement, unlike the Matty Nicholson debacle!

The short term signing of John Bateman suggests to me two things :
1. Fitzgibbons’ injury is more of a long term one and
2. In signing two experienced forwards, he is going all out to win the Grand Final this season.
Unrelated, I noted that Danny Walker ran 102 metres on Friday compared with Daryl Clark’s 30 metres as he did in the Cup game. Should finally put that one to bed.

D Clark looked like an England footballer taking a free kick. At virtually every play the ball he had widespread arms as though looking for an option.

Nah, the widespread arms were the usual stains trick of appealing for something, anything, at every given opportunity.....usually followed by a hissy fit and a titty lip for the remainder of the game.

He's fitted in really well, bless him.

Not with Hurrell if the rumours are to be believed!

Will be confirmed tomorrow

This has got Kyle Amor written all over it.
This club will never learn.
Watched Bateman in the NRL most weeks and he’s absolute garbage.

Talented lad Bateman

At his best bateman is class, he's just been off his best for awhile. But as we've seen, burgess clearly can get the best out of players. A short term signing of Bateman at his best gives us a big added punch and shedloads of high class experience.
It is a very strange scenario though and like previously mentioned on here, seems very unlikely he'd be going back to the NRL.
Holroyd has years to develop and learning off players like Fitzgibbon and Bateman will be priceless for him and his future, like stated previously he's at risk of burning out too soon before he's physically developed fully.
I've no doubt he's an absolute future star though.