BATEMAN’S BACK

JOHN BATEMAN says the pull of family ties was a key part of his decision to rejoin Wigan on a fouryear deal from 2021.

The England back rower (right) has ended weeks of speculation over his future by heading back to the Warriors from Canberra Raiders, where he was named NRL second rower of the year in 2019.

Bateman, sidelined with a shoulder injury, said: “It’s been a tough decision but to be back to Wigan, to be at home with my little girl, my mum and the rest of my family is something I can’t wait to experience once again.

“Some of the best times of my life have been in a Wigan shirt and I can’t wait to return, to play and make some more memories.

“I still have plenty of unfinished business with the Raiders and my focus now is to get myself back on the pitch as soon as possible and put myself in the frame for selection.”