John Bateman will return to his boyhood club Bradford in 2027, while Manly have secured one of the most promising young forwards in New Zealand. Meanwhile, England star Jack Welsby has refused to close the door on a future move to the NRL.
Here is what each development means as clubs continue reshaping their rosters for 2027 and beyond.
John Bateman Signs With Bradford Bulls
Bateman will leave North Queensland at the end of the 2026 season after signing a two-year contract with Bradford.
The Bulls hold an option to extend the deal for a third season, potentially keeping the 32-year-old at the club through to the end of 2029.
Bateman began his professional career with Bradford’s academy before making his senior debut against the Catalans Dragons in April 2011 at just 17. He made more than 70 appearances for the Bulls before joining Wigan ahead of the 2014 season.
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“It gives me goosebumps thinking about running back out at Odsal,” Bateman said after the deal was confirmed.
The English forward subsequently built an impressive career across the Super League and NRL, winning three Super League titles with Wigan and representing Canberra, Wests Tigers and North Queensland in Australia.
Bateman helped the Raiders reach the 2019 NRL Grand Final during his first season in Canberra and was named Dally M Second-Rower of the Year.
He joined the Cowboys ahead of the 2025 season and is contracted with North Queensland until the end of the current campaign. His Bradford agreement confirms that 2026 will be the final season of his second stint in the NRL.
Bateman’s return represents a major signing for Bradford as the club prepares for its future in the Super League.
Manly Secure Kayliss Fatialofa
Manly have officially signed Warriors prospect Kayliss Fatialofa on a three-year contract beginning in 2027.
The highly rated 21-year-old will join the Sea Eagles through to at least the end of the 2029 season after attracting interest from several NRL clubs.
Fatialofa became available due to a clause in his Warriors contract that allowed him to explore other opportunities if he had not made his NRL debut by Round 15.
The second-rower was named on the Warriors’ interchange bench several times without being used and will now leave the club without having made his first-grade debut.
Fatialofa has nevertheless established himself as one of the NSW Cup’s leading young forwards. He has scored 21 tries across 49 appearances over the past three seasons while displaying the speed and athleticism required to play on an edge.
“He’s an exciting young player who we believe has the athleticism and skill to make a real impact,” Manly coach Kieran Foran said.
The signing continues the rebuilding of Manly’s squad under Foran, who was recently appointed as the Sea Eagles’ permanent head coach through to the end of 2029.
Fatialofa will have the opportunity to develop alongside representative second-rower Haumole Olakau’atu, giving Manly two powerful and athletic edge-forward options.
Jack Welsby Refuses To Close NRL Door
St Helens fullback Jack Welsby has confirmed he would listen to future NRL offers when his current contract approaches its conclusion.
The 25-year-old remains signed with St Helens until the end of 2027, meaning there is no immediate suggestion that he will leave the Super League.
However, Welsby admitted that his long-term future remains open.
“I’d never close the door on it,” Welsby said when asked about a potential move to Australia.
Welsby added that his immediate priority was returning to his best football after dealing with injury during the 2026 season.
He previously rejected NRL interest when signing his current St Helens extension in December 2023. St George Illawarra were among the clubs strongly linked with the England international before he chose to remain with his junior club.
The Sporting Base previously reported that Welsby rejected the Dragons to sign a long-term St Helens contract.
Welsby has won four Super League titles with St Helens and was named man of the match when the English club defeated Penrith 13-12 in the 2023 World Club Challenge.
His versatility and experience would make him an attractive recruitment target for NRL clubs searching for a fullback, five-eighth or another creative spine player.
No Australian club has been confirmed as holding current negotiations with Welsby. His latest comments simply indicate that he will consider the opportunity if meaningful offers emerge as his contract moves closer to expiring.
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