The Wests Tigers’ hopes of ending the NRL’s longest finals drought appear more realistic than ever after they signed England international John Bateman.

The former Canberra Raiders back-rower will join the Tigers on a four-year deal after being released from Wigan for what the English club describe as a “significant transfer fee”.

Bateman joins New Zealand international Isaiah Papali’i, former Australian Test prop David Klemmer and three-time premiership-winning hooker Api Koroisau in committing to join the Tigers for 2023.

“(Bateman) is a world class player with an enormous work ethic,” said Tigers head coach Tim Sheens.

“He’s the type of player who leads by example. I have no doubt John will make a big contribution to this club over the next few years.”

The Tigers will hope Bateman can play a big part in ending their wait to play finals football which stretches back to 2011.

The 29-year-old previously enjoyed a fruitful two-year spell with the Raiders between 2019 and 2020, reaching a grand final and a preliminary final.

Capped 21 times for England, Bateman will move to Australia in the new year.

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

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

“I want to be a part of the rebuild at the club and I’m really excited to be coming back to the NRL.”