LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a thunderous declaration reminiscent of a crunching tackle, John Bateman has fiercely shut down any talk of leaving the Wests Tigers.
The English powerhouse, locked in with the Tigers until the distant horizon of 2026, has faced whispers and murmurs swirling around his future after a puzzling late-season stint back in England.
Struggling to hit his stride in the dynamic world of the NRL, Bateman found himself at odds with both veteran tactician Tim Sheens and the youthful exuberance of Benji Marshall during his initial two campaigns with the Tigers.
Unfortunately, the team saw its fortunes plummet, claiming the unenviable wooden spoon in consecutive seasons.
Feeling the tug of nostalgia, Bateman made his way back to his roots, rounding out the season with the ferocious Warrington Wolves in the raw intensity of the Super League battleground.
But now, with fire in his eyes and determination in his heart, he has adamantly asserted his commitment to the Tigers faithful, dismissing any talk of an exit with the resoluteness of a captain rallying his troops before a grand final showdown.
Fans can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that Bateman is here to stay and ready to unleash his fury on the field in the name of the orange and black.
Let the skeptics and naysayers be silenced as Bateman gears up to elevate his game and lead the Tigers to glory, proving once and for all that he is a force to be reckoned with in the rough and tumble world of Rugby League.