John Bateman's NRL return hits road bump after being left 'stranded' in UK

[josie andrews]

Bateman has signed for Wests Tigers ahead of the 2023 season.

John Bateman's return to the NRL has hit a snag as visa issues have left him 'stranded' in the UK. The England ace, who has signed for Wests Tigers from Wigan Warriors, has been unable to link up with his new teammates as a result of the issue.

Such has been the delay, Tigers coach Tim Sheens has admitted they are uncertain whether he will be available in time for their first game of the season, which takes place on March 5th against Gold Coast Titans.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the delay has been caused due to the timing of the deal. It's reported that Bateman couldn't officially apply for a visa until his contract was lodged, which was done over the Christmas period. As a result, that caused further delays.

We’re not putting a date on when he’ll be here. We’ve got immigration people and experts trying to sort it out. It’s a bit unusual, but he’s also not coming on his own. We wouldn’t use him in the first trial, but we’d aim to have him play in the second trial. We need to get him here first.”

Instead, Bateman has been preparing for the season in his native Bradford. The England back-rower posted a picture of him in a gym on Thursday. “He’s still doing plenty of weights and general fitness,” Sheens said “We’re sending him videos of our training sessions and plays, and I’m in constant touch with him – we’ll speak two or three times a week. He’s aware of everything we’re doing here.

https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/ru ... s-26019189

[josie andrews]

Oh deary me!

[morley pie eater]

Oh deary me!

[Mike]

Convictions? He had a visa before.

[Barney841]

Oh! What a shame.

[medlocke]

When I read this yesterday I sat there and laughed thinking to myself wouldn't it be ironic if it all went tits up and access was denied, then the only club that had any space left was Bradford Bulls on a 6th of what he was going to get in Oz

[widdenoldboy]

When I read this yesterday I sat there and laughed thinking to myself wouldn't it be ironic if it all went tits up and access was denied, then the only club that had any space left was Bradford Bulls on a 6th of what he was going to get in Oz

May be ironic as he left us stranded (possibly!)

[josie andrews]

Still no Bateman

https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/202 ... field-day/