Bateman has a club for next year and the year after, he’s at Wests until 2027 unless they decide to pay him his two years. They’re maybe looking better recently but Wests recruitment/retention has been a horror show for years, especially considering the players they’ve let go has made ours look professional.

Wests have recruited really well, don't think they will trouble the 8, buy I don't see them bottom.

Ryan Sutton i heard again yesterday. Again, be very surprised if anything in it.

Would be a great signing, not without it's risk, but I don't see a better domestic option.

Like I say seems a lot better for this season but they’re still having to to try and pay clubs to take big earners like Bateman and Sullivan reminds me very much of Hull recently, especially looking at the players that have come through their system and let go as well as the horror signings. Hopefully we’ve both turned a corner.

On Bateman specifically, if you believe the figures the Aussie press are saying another back rower isn’t our top priority but he would still be decent value IMO. I read yesterday that Wests are willing to pay 300K Aussie dollars of his 600K salary (just north of 150K) if he wants to stay in Aus though he’s every right to dig his heels in.

Ok I fancy Cade Cust to be a real.good signing for us. Just got a feeling he could be a bolter for us this year

I wasnt sure when signed him. Using a bench spot on a quota player with a lot to prove was a risk. However, from the videos seen in social media. He looks sharp.

In Sutton and Bateman. I would take them both for the right price. If the tigers and and bulldogs are willing to pay a large chunk of their salary wage they’re worth it. Non quota experienced players with a lot to prove.

Moley seems to think there is at least two NRL sides interested in Bateman, imagine any chance of him staying in SL are pretty low