Wests Tigers forward John Bateman has been released by the club to play in England's Super League for the remainder of the season.
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Bateman's exit to Warrington Wolves had been revealed by the Cheshire-based club's coach Sam Burgess on Tuesday.
But the move was bizarrely confirmed by the Tigers in an announcement during their round 21 match against the Warriors in Auckland on Friday night.
Bateman was omitted from the Tigers' matchday squad that made the trip to New Zealand.
The 30-year-old has failed to live up to his billing since joining the club in 2023 and continued to struggle for form under new coach Benji Marshall.
Wests Tigers said the English second-rower would return to his homeland for the remainder of 2024 but was still contracted to the club for the 2025 and 2026 NRL seasons.
"John leaving Wests Tigers for the back end of the season is something that all parties are comfortable with," Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson said.
The move would save the Tigers close to $150,000 in their salary cap, late in a season which is already effectively over given the club sit in last place.
Burgess and Bateman are linked by having both played for Super League club Bradford.
"We all know what John can bring, he's a great competitor and he's got some great rugby in front of him," Burgess told English media earlier.
Despite a second-half fightback the Tigers fell to the Warriors 28-16.
Asked about Bateman's release after fulltime, Marshall said he wasn't aware of the announcement.
"I've just got told. It's not my job," he said.
Australian Associated Press
