I think maybe we should start managing expectations regarding Wardle. I don't know anything, but there's definitely a sense that this story has died down a lot, and frankly, if we have signed him, I can't conceive of any reason why it hasn't now been announced.
As for Bateman, I too have seen the story that Aussie clubs are stepping back thanks to the transfer fee - which wouldn't surprise me at all given that the NRL is still so amazed by itself that it automatically assumes all Brits should go there on a free because it's such an honour. Personally, I'm not too bothered either way. When JB went the first time, it was with all our best wishes because we felt he should try himself at that highest level. He did a job for Canberra, and then came back, citing homesickness, family etc. None of which suddenly seems to be an issue now that we hear there's been a mid-contract conversation with yet another NRL club. I'd be frustrated if we hadn't heard it before with the likes of Budgie and Hastings, so now I just shrug and say 'if they don't want to be here, why try to keep them'.
I don't think JB's performances have been all that, either. He's played as if he's not as committed to Wigan as we all thought, and in my view has been lucky to make the England squad.
I don't hold it against him, by the way. It's a short career, he has to maximise his earnings, etc etc ... it's completely understandable. But from our POV, I no longer consider him the essential name on the team-sheet.
