Bateman extends Wigan contract
Wigan Warriors have announced that John Bateman has agreed a contract extension with the Club.
One of the bright young stars of English Rugby League, Bateman has enjoyed a meteoric rise to the top of Super League and capped a fine season by winning the Wigan Warriors Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards at the Club’s Awards Dinner last week.
The former Dudley Hill amateur made his professional debut in 2011 for Bradford Bulls aged just 17 before signing for the Wigan Club in 2014.
Signed as a bright young prospect, he made 29 appearances in his first year with the Club and played 31 times this season.
Bateman made his second consecutive Grand Final appearance when he played for Wigan against Leeds last Saturday evening in front of a sold out Old Trafford.
The contract extension will see John stay with the Wigan Club until the end of 2017 with an option for 2018. The contract will allow John the opportunity to go to the NRL in 2019 on the provision that a substantial transfer fee is agreed.
Should John leave the Club, Wigan would have first option to resign him, if and when he decides to return to Super League.
Speaking on the news of John’s contract extension, Wigan Warriors Chairman Ian Lenagan said:
“John is testament to the fine scouting network we have here at the Wigan Club. Having been brought to our attention a few years ago, our scouts watched his development, it soon became clear that we had a future international player on our hands.
“Two years into his time at Wigan, John has shown on many occasions that he is one of the finest talents in the English game. His performances on the field are of the highest order and this new contract reflects his standing within the Wigan team.
“John does not envisage going to the NRL in the near future but this contract protects the Wigan Club should John wish to play in the NRL in the future.”
Head Coach Shaun Wane said:
“John has been fantastic since day one, he actually made his debut for Wigan in the World Club Challenge against Sydney Roosters. We were confident in putting him that day and firmly believe that he belongs at the very highest level.
“To say we are delighted to have completed this contract extension is an understatement, we are looking to build a team that can compete at the top for many years and intend to build it around players like John.”
Rugby Director Kris Radlinski said:
“On the field John is one of the fiercest competitors who gives his all for the team. He has shown this season how invaluable he is by switching from the back-row to the centre position when required and performing to a very high level.
“Away from Rugby, John has matured during his time at Wigan and is a fine young man who knows what it means to wear the famous Cherry and White jersey. This new deal is well deserved and recognition of his endeavours over the last two years.”
John Bateman said:
“I’m really happy to have signed a new deal with Wigan. It was a big decision for me to come here when I did a couple of years ago but I have loved every second of it.
“Playing alongside established international players like Liam Farrell, Joel Tomkins and Sean O’Loughlin has helped develop my game.
“I was delighted to be named Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year earlier this week and look forward to working even harder now to move onto that next level.”