Bateman’s shock return to Wigan a step closer
THE chances of John Bateman making a sensational return to the Betfred Super League and former club Wigan have increased with Canberra Raiders confirming the England and Great Britain international will leave the club at the end of the NRL season.
Bateman has an additional year remaining on his contract in the Australian capital, but was granted permission to seek out a contract elsewhere after the club said they could not meet the salary requested by the Bradford-born second-rower and his new agent Isaac Moses during discussions to extend the player’s existing deal.
Moses has subsequently had his registration revoked by the NRL - a decision he is appealing - but it has not prevented Bateman seeking to secure his longterm future.
And amid reports he has offers on the table from Canterbury Bulldogs in the NRL and the Warriors back in Super League, Canberra confirmed yesterday Bateman will be released.
“The club made the difficult decision to allow John to pursue other long-term options and as a result, 2020 will be his final season with the Raiders,” said Raiders CEO Don Furner.
The 26-year old was voted Dally M Second-Rower of the Year following a stunning debut NRL season in 2019, where he helped the Green Machine reach their first Grand Final since 1994.
He has yet to play this year following shoulder surgery, but said he is desperate to end his time with the club with success on the field.
“The Raiders gave me an opportunity to come to Australia and play in the NRL and I’ve loved every moment playing for the club,” said Bateman.
“I’m doing everything I can to make sure I get back on the field as soon as possible and finish my last season with the Raiders on a high.”
Meanwhile, Super League has confirmed that Magic Weekend has been formally cancelled. It was initially postponed shortly after the sport was shut down.
Although there will be no event in 2020, a deal has been agreed to see Magic return to Newcastle’s St James’ Park on May 29 and 30, 2021.