John Bateman has rolled out the red carpet to Jack Wighton, relishing the prospect of linking with his former Canberra teammate at the Wests Tigers.
Wighton last week indicated his desire to test his value away from Canberra, where he has so far spent the entirety of his NRL career.
The Raiders have reportedly tabled a deal worth north of $1 million per season in a bid to retain the 10-cap Australia international.
Tigers coach Tim Sheens played down links with his club last week but the joint-venture remains one of the few sides able to match Wighton's salary demands.
The Tigers have made no secret of their desire to bring in an experienced playmaker, having made attempts to recruit Mitchell Moses, Cameron Munster and Mitchell Pearce to the club over the last 12 months.
Bateman stressed he had not spoken to Wighton about a potential move but said he would welcome the five-eighth's arrival at Concord.
"He's a very good player who's gone on to play for NSW and won the World Cup last year," Bateman said.
"He's a great bloke and if he wants to come here, he can feel free to come here.
"The better players - you'd take them in your squad.
"Jack's 30 years old now so this will probably be the biggest (decision) in his career."
Bateman conceded his start to life at the Tigers, who are 0-5 heading into Easter Monday's meeting with Parramatta, had been testing.
The English forward has batted back suggestions he is carrying an injury and says he has no issue dealing with the scrutiny that has engulfed the struggling NRL club.
"I suppose it comes with the territory of what the club's about," he said.
"It's a big club and you realise that once you're involved.
"It's about us going out and performing on the field and we haven't done that so we probably deserve (the scrutiny)."
