NT Thunder is pleased to announce Wanderers’ speedster Simon Bates has put pen to paper for the next two years, committing to the Club for the 2017 and 2018 NEAFL season.

Another Territorian to add to the list, Bates has played 91 Premier League games with the Wanderers Football Club in the NTFL, which includes a senior premiership in 2010/11.

He was also the NTFL Under 16’s Hickman League Medallist in 2009.

A versatile forward line player know for his pace, goal kicking and ability to run away from opponents, this will be his first season in the Territory colours.

NT Thunder Head Coach, Andrew Hodges, who coached Bates during the 2014/15 NTFL season, said Bates was an exciting addition to the list.

“I am pleased to be able to coach Simon again; it’s fantastic to have local talent committed to Thunder

“He has genuine leg speed and an ability to make his opposition nervous, qualities that will better the team,” Hodges said.