John Bateman to Wire this season

Really, what's your source?

Quite a few reputable sites are saying it, loan until the end of the season at the moment. He might not be the player he was but it’s a great mid season addition for them, especially if it’s only for this season and they can take a view on him.

Matt Shaw reporting it as done and he's on the money usually. He could be a real game changer for Wire in terms of experience in big games. I've not seen much of him recently but from what I hear, he doesn't seem to be playing anywhere near his best but maybe some time back in the UK will kick him in to gear. It feels like he's unsettled wherever he plays in these recent years, which must be difficult. Having an Australian partner and a child on either side of the world must be some challenge.

He'll add some big game experience - and cover for Fitzgibbon who seems to be off for a while. Big questions around how effective he is now. Certainly been underwhelming ever since his 1st season at Canberra which is quite a few years now......

I’ve decent sources at Wire, unfortunately I’ve none at Wigan

He's all over the place really isn't he? Goes back to Wigan as he misses his family, cuts his contract short to fly back to Australia again, goes on loan to Warrington as he misses his family before flying back yet again.

Bateman is an interesting signing at Wire for sure, it really is dependent on what attitude he turns up with. There is an excellent player still in there even today and i feel Burgess could get that out of him.

Coincidentally, i was browsing Youtube last night and the 3rd test vs. Tonga was recommended to me from this off season just gone. Bateman was causing Tonga all sorts of nightmares all evening, setting up tries with his offloading and had a brilliant game.

Get that Bateman lining up for Wire and he will be an excellent loan signing for them, plus the experience of winning the big games he brings could be invaluable for them when it comes around to the playoffs.

Is there? How do you know this?

I give a very recent example in my post?

One swallow doesn't make a summer though.

I think he is finished - its been far too long since he was consistently a very good player.

Bateman may not be the player he was but Warrington are unquestionably in a stronger position to have a real crack now. Yates and Bateman are players you would think help to toughen them up mentally in the big games.

I’m not so sure. Bateman is finished as a top level forward and as his body let’s him down, as it is doing continuously I t he recent past, his frustration is coming trough with penalties and poor decision making in games. I’m glad we’ve stayed well away.

Bateman seems to be getting stick for moving mid-contract again but this times it seems more like he’s being pushed out by the Tigers due to his big wage and average performances. It’s a no lose for Wire, signed till the end of the season so if he’s crap I’m sure they won’t offer a permanent contract and it’s just a nice addition to the squad, if we didn’t have the history with him and got him in until the end of the season I’d be happy as it’s a no lose imo.

If anyone get get a tune out of Bateman it’ll be Burgess like it or not he does huge presence like no other coach in the super league