Wests Tigers will wait until John Bateman makes his long-awaited arrival in Australia before deciding whether to rush him into their team for the start of the NRL season.
Almost two month after he officially signed, Bateman is expected to land in Sydney this week after a wait for a police check delayed the Englishman's arrival.
That will leave him one week to prepare for the Tigers' season opener against Gold Coast at Leichhardt Oval on March 5.
Bateman looms as a crucial member of the Tigers' rebuild after starring as an attacking threat in Canberra's forwards in 2019 and 2020 before returning to England.
But coach Tim Sheens has made clear he will not put him on the field before he believes he is conditioned for an NRL match.
"We'll just let him settle down," Sheens said.
"It's a long-term contract and I know everyone wants to get away to a good start, but I'm not going to make a decision on that until he gets here.
"We'll have a talk and he'll get around with us. He doesn't know the players to any great degree or know the plays. He hasn't done the conditioning that we have."
Bateman is expected to play on the right for the Tigers this year, with Isaiah Papali'i wanting to move to the left after he starred on the opposite side for Parramatta last season.
If Bateman is unavailable, Asu Kepaoa could be an option to step up in the second row after impressing Sheens on his move from the outside backs.
Another decision for Sheens to make is the No.1 jersey, with Daine Laurie expected to pip ex-Penrith winger Charlie Staines for the fullback role.
Laurie was the Tigers' chief fullback last year, and was safe at the back in the club's 36-4 trial win over Canberra on Sunday before being replaced by Staines.
"All they did was give me a tough task," Sheens said.
"The coaching staff and myself will sit down this week and sort out a few things with injuries, get a game plan ready."
The Tigers will also have Luke Brooks, Apisai Koroisau and lock Joe Ofahengaue back for round one after they did not feature in pre-season trials.
Elsewhere, Canberra have breathed a sigh of relief with Jordan Rapana able to accept a $3000 fine and avoid a ban for a high tackle on Adam Doueihi on Sunday.
But the news is worse at Canterbury, with star forward Tevita Pangai set to miss the first three rounds with a calf strain.
