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England star John Bateman will return to the NRL in 2023 after agreeing a four-year deal with the Wests Tigers.

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."