Bateman on his way back to Warriors

ENGLAND international John Bateman will return to Wigan next season after signing a fouryear deal.

The 26-year-old forward left the Warriors two years ago to join Canberra Raiders, where he was a huge hit during his first season in the NRL in 2019.

But he was given permission by the Raiders to be released from the final year of his contract earlier this week and has now rejoined Wigan.

Bateman, currently nursing a shoulder injury, said: “I’m very happy to be returning to Wigan on a long-term contract.

“On a personal level, 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.

“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.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Israel Folau has signed a new deal with Catalans Dragons, keeping him in Super League until the end of 2021.

The 31-year-old reverted back to playing league at the start of this year in the wake of his sacking by Rugby Australia for posting homophobic comments on social media.

Catalans gave Folau an opportunity to rebuild his career in France and the back made three appearances for them before the coronavirus shutdown.