The Tigers were forced to pay a transfer fee to prise Bateman out of his Wigan contract,and then send training videos to him remotely so he can get up to speed with Sheens’ attacking revolution.

The club even had Bateman,considered one of the most destructive players in the competition before returning to the English Super League,speak via video call at their season launch last week.

Five-eighth Adam Doueihi has signed a one-year extension to stay at Concord as the club await a decision from Eels halfback Mitchell Moses over his future.

“I’m really happy to extend my stay here at Wests Tigers,” Doueihi said. “We’ve all trained hard in pre-season and our team is in great shape.”

Doueihi will make his first appearance of the year when the Tigers finish their pre-season challenge preparations against Bateman’s old club,Canberra,at Belmore on Sunday.

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