LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
It's been a real storm in a teacup situation with Tigers backrower John Bateman reportedly having a heated showdown with coach Benji Marshall after their loss to the Rabbitohs last week.
According to reports from news.com.au, Bateman was on the chopping block before he made the decision to head back to England.
The drama unfolded in the dressing room after their defeat to Souths, with Bateman and Marshall exchanging words in front of the whole team.
The Englishman's sudden departure to Warrington on loan, with plans to return to the Wests Tigers in the future, shocked the rugby league community.
Formerly a key player in the Raiders' run to the 2019 NRL Grand Final, Bateman has been a shadow of his former self lately, a far cry from his peak performance as one of the top edge forwards in the game.
"It's been a real blow-up since their clash with South Sydney on the weekend, where he and Benji got into it in front of everyone," revealed Fox Sports' James Hooper on NRL360.
The writing was on the wall for Bateman, but he made a swift exit before the axe could fall.