'Valuable mentor': John Bateman lands new NRL club after securing Wests Tigers exit

The Bradford Bulls academy product joined the Tigers at the end of 2022 following a second stint with Wigan Warriors but leaves halfway through his four-year deal.

Bateman made 32 appearances for the Tigers before spending the second half of the 2024 season at Warrington Wolves amid reports of a strained relationship with head coach Benji Marshall.

The 31-year-old, who has represented England on 26 occasions and earned four Great Britain caps, now has the chance to revive his NRL career at North Queensland.

After signing a player who won the Dally M second-rower of the year in his debut season with Canberra Raiders in 2019, Cowboys general manager of football Michael Luck said: "We have been in the market for an experienced forward with the ability to play either in the middle or on an edge.

"John bases his game around defensive intent and willingness to compete in every situation, a couple of areas we've made no secret we want to improve significantly on in 2025.

"Along with what he does on the field, we also believe he will be a valuable mentor for our younger forwards in Heilum Luki, Jeremiah Nanai and Griffin Neame."