John Bateman has been granted an early release from the Wests Tigers, inking a two-year contract with the Cowboys. The back-rower was given a temporary release from his deal at Concord earlier this year to play in the Super League, but has since returned to Australia. Bateman will join North Queensland for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Bateman won the Dally M Second Rower of the Year award in his debut season at the Raiders, while also featuring in the 2019 grand final against the Sydney Roosters. The Cowboys have taken the chance on getting the original version of Bateman, with the 31-year-old set to provide some much needed experience in their forward pack. "We have been in the market for an experienced forward with the ability to play either in the middle or on an edge," the club's General Manager of Football Micheal Luck said. "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." Bateman leaves the Tigers having made 32 appearances for the club across a two-year spell. It is reported the NRL stragglers will chip in a significant chunk of money towards Bateman's salary in Townsville. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are hopeful that Bateman's big-game experience will help to bring along a talented crop of backrowers for the future. "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," Luck added.
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