Tigers release Bateman mid-game, insist he'll be back

But the move was bizarrely confirmed by the Tigers during their round 21 clash against the Warriors in Auckland on Friday night.

The Tigers said the Englishman would return to his country of birth for the remainder of 2024 but was still contracted to the club for the 2025 and 2026 seasons.

"John leaving Wests Tigers for the back end of the season is something that all parties are comfortable with," Wests Tigers CEO Shane Richardson said.

The move would save the Tigers close to $150,000 in their salary cap, late in a season which is already effectively over given the club sit in last place.

Burgess and Bateman are linked by their mutual association with Super League club Bradford, which they have both played for.

"We all know what John can bring, he's a great competitor and he's got some great rugby in front of him," Burgess told English media earlier.

The Tigers were trailing the 14th-placed Warriors 14-0 at halftime.