I agree and reads like we were left with no time, even if we did want to sign anybody. There often is some interesting players becoming available mid season so at least we will have the funds ready to offer if they are worth it.

Fair enough to him. Possibly last big money he’ll get with the age he is.

Wigan get a decent wedge of cash, big earner off the books and a marquee slot back.

We Will be fine,two very good centres signed,money for a player who wanted to go ,marquee status freed if required,cover freed for the position Bateman had.

All is good in my book.
Roll on Febuary.

Dan said Bateman was leaving but if he didn't leave he would be staying, I can't believe how he always get's it right, Dan is the Man

The fact we are not replacing him straight away is a frustration but it’s understandable given where we are in the preseason and also the situation with our quota.

Bateman going and not being replaced has a significantly negative impact on the squad I had us as favourites in my mind for the title this year but now I’m not so sure.

It’s clear the club want to take their time, see how the land lies with the current players we have available and then maybe look to strengthen mid season.

F Bateman

Yeah yeah, there are cap considerations etc. but lets be real, the main reason we can't get in a replacement is that our quota spots are full up (and very questionably used in the first place).

I said before that I've been pretty disappointed with Bateman this time around, and wanted more pace/power and hard running in the second row, but obviously this weakens the squad and we're hoping KPP kicks on another gear or two this campaign. But with him off as well, I hope we're already looking and planning for 2024 and what recruitment might have to look like and freeing up quota spots so we can look at the whole market.

I’m glad we’ve not rushed and got an inadequate replacement.

Squad wise we’d be in the same situation should Bateman have gotten a serious injury in preseason.

He’s been going through the motions since his return to the club away.

I’m excited for KPP to get a full year at right second row.

Well on the positive side Bateman has played seven years at Wigan and has provided the club around half a million pounds of transfer fees. KPP will get a run in his best position and having someone at the club who doesn't want to be there helps no-one. Do we also now save a marquee spot/salary? That combined with the transfer fee would take a significant chunk out of the debt forecast for next year.

On the negative side Bateman is clearly not someone who honours his commitments - has he fulfilled a contract with any club in his career? It leaves the club with a squad that isn't as strong as it could have been for the season start and the quota issues make it difficult to recruit.

I think this provides further evidence that bringing back players from the NRL has flaws - just imagine if you were asked to return to one of your previous jobs in your career. Personally I would feel flat and demotivated.

Having a marquee spot freed up is useful, no need to panic buy. KPP to second row.

He's not set the world alight in his second spell. To have his wage off the books and a significant fee received for a player who was not worth what he was being paid is a good deal for the club.

Did we keep James McDonnells receipt?

I’d be trying to get him back asap or Matty Nicholson and use KPP in Batemans position with Nsemba/McDonnell/Nicholson or even Beardsworth as back up.