Bateman joins North Queensland Cowboys from 2025

John Bateman made 10 appearances for Warrington Wolves last season

England international John Bateman has joined NRL side North Queensland Cowboys on a two-year deal having been given early release by Wests Tigers.

The 31-year-old second rower began his career at hometown club Bradford Bulls and moved to Wigan Warriors in 2014 where he won two Super League titles and was named the club's player of the year three times.

Having moved to Australia for his first stint in the NRL with Canberra Raiders, and then briefly returning to Wigan in 2021, Bateman joined Sydney-based Wests in 2023 and spent the latter half of 2024 on loan at Warrington.

"We have been in the market for an experienced forward with the ability to play either in the middle or on an edge," said Cowboys general manager of football Micheal Luck.

"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, who has won 26 England caps and four for Great Britain, made 10 Warrington appearances at the tail end of the 2024 campaign, helping them to a play-off spot where they were eventually beaten by Grand Finalists Hull KR.