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How Cowboys recruit Bateman has found new lease of life in North Queensland
Joel Gould, AAP • February 7th, 2025 7:15 am
John Bateman I Photo: AP
John Bateman admits he was never in top shape at Wests Tigers but that has all changed after a gruelling pre-season at North Queensland.
The 31-year-old England international, signed to the Cowboys until the end of 2026, has turned the cliche of "training the house down" into a reality in the searing heat, rain and humidity in Townsville.
Bateman was released from the final two years of his deal with the Tigers, who are chipping in half of his contract.
The terrier back-rower didn't find the form at the joint venture that he showcased at Canberra, saying his fitness was the issue.
"The last couple of years I probably haven't been fit. When I signed for the Tigers the first year I came late in February and last year I had my ankle op.," he said.
"I've come (to the Cowboys) and got some good reps in and it is the best pre-season I have had in a couple of years. I am feeling ready to go and looking forward to it."
John Bateman I Photo: AAP
Bateman's signing came out of left-field and he valued the way the club handled the negotiations.
"Talking to the club early doors, it was just the way the club went about it," Bateman said when asked why he made the move.
"They was nothing in the media. They were quiet (about negotiations) and it came out of nowhere a little bit.
The Cowboys lost well over 1000 games of first-grade experience at the end of last season with Val Holmes, Kyle Feldt, Chad Townsend and Jake Granville moving on.
Bateman has played 285 Super League and NRL games and more than 30 Tests for England and Great Britain.
When Bateman inked his deal North Queensland general manager of football Micheal Luck told AAP he would improve the side's grit and resolve, particularly defensively.
Bateman said he wanted to play in the back row but was open to playing in the middle during matches, which was discussed with him when he signed.
"I want to be a leader. I want to come in and be an older head ... play (regular) games and 80 minutes," he said.
