According to Fox Sports, the Concord team is calmly waiting to let go of the former back-rower for the Warrington Wolves and Wigan Warriors.
Fox Sports claims that the dispute between Bateman and the team regarding the England international’s preseason return date was the final straw that broke the camel’s back for the Tigers.
Wests requested that Bateman return from his loan at Warrington on December 21. The Tigers sought confirmation from the Rugby League Players’ Association to ascertain the precise time of Bateman’s return to training.
That would, however, require the 31-year-old to travel back to Australia from England for a single training session, with the Wests breaking up for Christmas the following day.
Bateman’s manager, Isaac Moses, was able to change the RLPA’s return date by presenting proof that the second-rower made corporate appearances the week after playing his final game for Warrington, effectively extending his annual leave, despite Wests’ insistence that he return for that one training day.
Naturally, it appears that there is light at the Wests and Bateman are nearing the end of their careers, as the Manly Sea Eagles are eager to include the 31-year-old on their squad for 2025 and beyond.
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