Bateman hits back

JOHN BATEMAN reckons his knockers will never floor him because he’s doing what’s best for him and his family.

Some Canberra fans have put the boot in following the England forward’s decision to return to Wigan next season on a four-year deal.

But Bateman, 26, said: “I understand that some people have been upset but I have always stated that I will do what is best for me, my career, my family and I still stand by that.

“I do not care what anyone else says. If people do not like it, fair enough but the people who do understand are the ones who know me best and that is all I am really bothered about.”

His daughter Millie,

10, has stayed in England while he has been in Australia.

Having reached a Grand Final in his debut NRL season last year, he has vowed to leave the Raiders with a bang.

“It has been fantastic here,” said Bateman (below).

“I will be giving my all on the field as quickly as possible and hopefully I can go out with a Grand Final winner’s medal.”

He has not featured this season due to shoulder surgery but hopes to be back in the next few weeks.

SUPER LEAGUE will be flying by the seat of its pants when it returns in four weeks.

Clubs are fighting for their very survival, with most expecting losses of £2million to £4m.

Fixtures or venues have still not been announced, other than the opening day’s three catch-up games.

But Catalans Dragons coach Steve McNamara is simply just happy for his team to be flying again – in and out of France.

He said: “I cannot wait for that first kick-off. The adrenaline of going back in and preparing to win.

“That is what keeps us going, the highs and the lows of games. There won’t be any crowds unfortunately but it is still really exciting.”

McNamara had initially promised to set up camp in England if quarantine rules had demanded it.