John Bateman, a forward for the North Queensland Cowboys, is attracting interest from the Bradford Bulls, who are keen on bringing him back to the Northern Hemisphere next season.
Bateman first debuted for the Bulls in 2011 at just 17 years old, quickly establishing himself as one of the most impactful forwards in British rugby.
With his current contract in Townsville set to expire at the end of this season, the Bulls are reportedly eager to welcome him back to the team where he began his professional career, according to Love Rugby League.
His immense talent enabled him to transition successfully into the NRL, which is not a common achievement for players from the English game.
During his stint at the Canberra Raiders, he became one of the most respected second rowers, moving to the capital in 2019 and establishing himself among the best English imports, alongside notable figures like James Graham and Sam Burgess.
Bateman's relentless playing style and tenacity on the field earned him the title of Dally M Second Row of the Year in 2019, before he made his return to the UK following the 2020 NRL season.
However, since rejoining the Wests Tigers in 2023, he has struggled to replicate that success before making a move up north in 2025.
Injuries have negatively affected Bateman's tenure with the Cowboys, although he recently made his long-awaited debut for the club and will be eager to finish the season strong after recovering from a wrist injury.
The Cowboys' plans for Bateman remain unclear, but with no contract extension signed for the upcoming year, it seems he may explore options for 2027.