Bateman,29,has been in talks for several months with the Tigers and has now been reluctantly released by Super League heavyweights Wigan.
A “significant transfer fee” was the source of much wrangling between the clubs,with suggestions the Tigers paid up to $250,000 to secure Bateman’s release. Transfer fees do not count towards the NRL salary cap.
A four-year deal will see Bateman turn 33 by the time his contract is up in 2026,making he and fellow recruit David Klemmer (who has a mutual option for 2026) the longest signings on the Tigers books.
The club has also been pursuing Eels star Mitchell Moses,who is expected to become the game’s next million-dollar playmaker as he weighs up approaches from the Tigers,Bulldogs and Parramatta’s own four-year offer.
Along with Klemmer and grand finalists Api Koroisau and Isaiah Papali’i,Bateman heralds a revamped forward pack under veteran coach Tim Sheens.
“He’s a world-class player with an enormous work ethic,” Sheens said.
“He’s the type of player who leads by example. I have no doubt John will make a big contribution to this club over the next few years.”
Bateman made a splash during a two-year stint with the Raiders,playing a significant role in Canberra’s 2019 grand final run and preliminary final appearance the next season.
His first NRL stint was cut short when family reasons and a lucrative offer from Wigan lured him back to England.
The Super League club’s press release confirming Bateman’s exit referenced “somewhat of a frustrating period” regarding the back-rower’s talks recent talks with the Tigers.
Wigan have also and their interactions with Bateman,a rarity in official press releases.
In a statement issued by the Tigers,Bateman said the overhaul being steered by Sheens and eventual successor Benji Marshall saw him take up the wooden spooners’ offer.
“I can’t wait to begin a new chapter at a club that I know is going places,” Bateman said.
“There has been a lot of change at Wests Tigers over the past few months and everything I hear is positive.
“I want to be a part of the rebuild at the club and I’m really excited to be coming back to the NRL.”