Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Mon Jun 01, 2020 3:20 pm  

NSW wrote:

Bloke on NRL on fox saying Bateman is talking to Wigan about a return next year. Getting messed about big time by the Aussie media and might want to be close to daughter.

Can’t see it but a marquee salary, the number 13 shirt and the captaincy may tempt him back

Not certain that I would want him back if I’m honest
His salary expectations may be too high for us and I just can’t see him as a 13.
I’d like a decent replacement for Greenwood but it wouldn’t be Bateman for me.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Mon Jun 01, 2020 4:07 pm  

bazdev wrote:

I think we will see Bateman back for us next year. It must be horrible being on the other side of the world worrying about your daughter with what has gone on. Sometimes it isn't about money

This whole debacle started about money with JB wanting to test the market value over there which looks to have failed massively. Now the raiders cant get him under the cap. Really hope we see him back in cherry and white next year. Would certainly ease losing lockers tommy and gildart.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Mon Jun 01, 2020 4:37 pm  

Itchy Arsenal wrote:

Not certain that I would want him back if I’m honest
His salary expectations may be too high for us and I just can’t see him as a 13.
I’d like a decent replacement for Greenwood but it wouldn’t be Bateman for me.

Salary would be an issue and I’ve already said I can’t see it having legs but I’d have the lad back if he wanted to play loose forward, second row, centre or half a game at full back and half a game at prop. The lad is a born winner and what he brings to a side far outweighs his own individual talent/performance. He’s a totally different kettle of fish to the players we’ve took back in the past. There’s only Tomkins who people would’ve been as desperate to come back but he was riddled with injury problems.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Mon Jun 01, 2020 6:04 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

Salary would be an issue and I’ve already said I can’t see it having legs but I’d have the lad back if he wanted to play loose forward, second row, centre or half a game at full back and half a game at prop. The lad is a born winner and what he brings to a side far outweighs his own individual talent/performance. He’s a totally different kettle of fish to the players we’ve took back in the past. There’s only Tomkins who people would’ve been as desperate to come back but he was riddled with injury problems.

I would have him back in a heartbeat, can we get Williams and Sutton in the same taxi please?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Mon Jun 01, 2020 7:23 pm  

Sweaty Betty's wrote:

I would have him back in a heartbeat, can we get Williams and Sutton in the same taxi please?

I could see Williams back here at some point but not sure on Sutton. It sounded like he wouldn’t entertain the idea of coming back when he was going and he’s since said that he loves it down under and thinks he’ll finish his career there. I recall Rads saying players who go down under would usually discuss with the club options to come back down the track but Sutton wouldn’t discuss a new deal with Wigan or discuss any options to come back. I suppose it was all part of his determination to succeed over in Oz and things can change but he’s made a good fist of it so far.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Mon Jun 01, 2020 9:42 pm  

Should John Bateman return to SL, we have first option and a pre agreed salary already negotiated.

He is missing his family / daughter. The plan in going to Aus worked when his daughter could fly over every 3 / 4 months Easter, summer school hols.

Through Corona, he is missing his daughter growing up, it may just be too much of a sacrifice.

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Mon Jun 01, 2020 10:45 pm  

NickyKiss wrote:

Salary would be an issue and I’ve already said I can’t see it having legs but I’d have the lad back if he wanted to play loose forward, second row, centre or half a game at full back and half a game at prop. The lad is a born winner and what he brings to a side far outweighs his own individual talent/performance. He’s a totally different kettle of fish to the players we’ve took back in the past. There’s only Tomkins who people would’ve been as desperate to come back but he was riddled with injury problems.

A back row of Farrell Isa & Bateman is too lightweight in the extreme
I love Bateman’s enthusiasm and work rate but he’s a million miles away from SOL at 13.
I’d sooner give the young guys coming through a pop and invest in some decent props and a proper coach
I can’t think of one player who left and came back to us and was a better player?
I’m not anti Bateman but I’d sooner look to the future than keep looking back .

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Jun 02, 2020 5:06 am  

I'd have him back in a heartbeat over any of the others who have left

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Jun 02, 2020 5:29 am  

Itchy Arsenal wrote:

Not certain that I would want him back if I’m honest
His salary expectations may be too high for us and I just can’t see him as a 13.
I’d like a decent replacement for Greenwood but it wouldn’t be Bateman for me.

Are you serious?

Re: Rumours and signings v9 : Tue Jun 02, 2020 6:25 am  

Tricky Dicky wrote:

Should John Bateman return to SL, we have first option and a pre agreed salary already negotiated.

Does he?