John Bateman will not play for Wakefield Trinity in 2025. Love Rugby League has learned that the aspirational Championship team has no intention of signing the England international.
The Wests Tigers player is among several players who have allegedly been offered to English clubs as they plan to restructure their first-team roster following yet another poor NRL season. As a result, there has been a growing amount of conjecture regarding Bateman’s future.
This has intensified rumours that Wakefield, along with Test teammates Mike McMeeken and Tom Johnstone, are interested in signing the player and making him the third England international to join their squad in 2025.
However, Bateman will not, under any circumstances, be a Wakefield player in 2025, according to Love Rugby League. Trinity has not made an offer to sign Bateman and has no intention of doing so at this time. If he were to return to England, he would likely command a high salary.
Given that Bateman is now making over £300,000 at Wests, he could easily fetch marquee player compensation. Trinity has made large financial investments to sign players like Mike McMeeken and Tom Johnstone and, should they receive permission to rejoin the Super League for the upcoming season, have further recruiting strategies prepared.
Although there have been frantic whispers about a possible move for the player, a move for Bateman at this time is not possible.
It’s also understood that Bateman is focused on making the most of his time with Wests and has no intention of going back to England anytime soon.
The 30-year-old’s contract with the Tigers for this season still has one more year left on it.
