Poor season, fans turning on him and the club initiated the idea of him leaving.

He’s better than Aydin, Gardner, Fash, Laidlow & waignhouse (currently).

If we can’t find better who are non quota then we should keep

Bateman has a club for next year and the year after, he’s at Wests until 2027 unless they decide to pay him his two years. They’re maybe looking better recently but Wests recruitment/retention has been a horror show for years, especially considering the players they’ve let go has made ours look professional.

Wests have recruited really well, don't think they will trouble the 8, buy I don't see them bottom.

Ryan Sutton i heard again yesterday. Again, be very surprised if anything in it.

Would be a great signing, not without it's risk, but I don't see a better domestic option.

Like I say seems a lot better for this season but they’re still having to to try and pay clubs to take big earners like Bateman and Sullivan reminds me very much of Hull recently, especially looking at the players that have come through their system and let go as well as the horror signings. Hopefully we’ve both turned a corner.

On Bateman specifically, if you believe the figures the Aussie press are saying another back rower isn’t our top priority but he would still be decent value IMO. I read yesterday that Wests are willing to pay 300K Aussie dollars of his 600K salary (just north of 150K) if he wants to stay in Aus though he’s every right to dig his heels in.