Star Wests Tigers recruit John Bateman has missed invaluable pre-season coaching along with his new group and will even miss the beginning of the season on account of visa points.
The Sydney Morning Herald studies Bateman is caught within the north of England and the Tigers are busy working behind the scenes to get the 29-year-old into the nation earlier than their Round 1 conflict on March 5.
Although Bateman had been in talks with the Tigers for months, he couldn’t apply for a visa till a contract was registered with the NRL, in line with the Herald.
Stream Over 50 Sports Live & On-Demand with Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
The newest within the NRL’s CBA saga | 02:34
The Tigers introduced his four-year deal on Boxing Day however coach Tim Sheens confirmed to the Herald that the Christmas interval has delayed his utility course of.
“There have been a couple of issues with the visa, and the government [departments] in both countries shut down over Christmas, so that slowed us down,” he stated.
“We’re not putting a date on when he’ll be here. We’ve got immigration people and experts trying to sort it out.
“It’s a bit unusual, but he’s also not coming on his own.
Bateman, who was granted an early release from Super League club Wigan, wasn’t officially due to training until early January given he represented England in the Rugby League World Cup.
MORE NRL NEWS
EXCLUSIVE: Crichton gone to the Dogs on $3.3m as Gus builds Canterbury Panthers
TRANSFER CENTRE: Titans flyer recovers from one-punch attack to earn new deal
REVEALED: Weird, wacky rules for NRL’s $100k inaugural 2023 Pre-season Challenge
AMONE: Dragons young gun stood down over alleged hammer attack
But he has missed at least two weeks of preparation due to the delays.
Sheens stressed that Bateman is being kept in the loop while waiting for his visa — and his newborn son’s — to be approved.
“He’s still doing plenty of weights and general fitness,” he stated.
“We’re sending him videos of our training sessions and plays, and I’m in constant touch with him — we’ll speak two or three times a week. He’s aware of everything we’re doing here.”
‘Trying to get sizzling, horny and match’ | 00:59
Get all the newest NRL news, highlights and evaluation delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
The Tigers’ first trial is in Auckland in opposition to the Warriors on February 9, nonetheless Sheens stated Bateman received’t characteristic in that recreation.
The “aim” is to play their second trial in opposition to the Raiders on February 19, however Sheens conceded: “We need to get him here first.”