Wests Tigers have announced the signing of Wigan Warriors forward John Bateman on a four year deal.

The England International will link with the club in January. He has played the last two seasons in the English Super League.

This will be the 29-year-olds second stint in the NRL having previously played for the Canberra Raiders.

During his two years at the Raiders the club made the grand final in 2019 and fell one game short of a second appearance the following year.

Tigers Head Coach Tim Sheens says Bateman is an important addition to the team.

“He’s a world class player with an enormous work ethic,” Sheens told the clubs website.

A message from @johnbateman1 for our Wests Tigers Members & Fans 🐯Get ready to #showyourstripes in 2023 pic.twitter.com/UxdRb1O1ac

— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) December 26, 2022

“I have no doubt John will make a big contribution to this club over the next few years.”

Bateman says he’s excited to be joining Wests Tigers during an exciting phase for the club.

“I can’t wait to begin a new chapter at a club that I know is going places,” he said.

“There has been a lot of change at Wests Tigers over the past few months and everything I hear is positive.

Bateman has played over 200 games in England over a career span of 10 years.