John Bateman the “NRL Buy of the Year”
John Bateman has been voted as the “NRL Buy of the Year” by NRL experts.
Bateman, 25, has played 18 games in the NRL since making the move to Canberra Raiders from Wigan ahead of the 2019 season.
The England star has scored four tries Down Under so far and has earned three man of the match awards.
Bateman received half of the nominations from an 18-person panel on NRL.com, consisting of past players and journalists.
Ex-Warrior Steve Renouf, who is on the panel, said: “My buy of the year would have to be John Bateman.
“With a steady flow of Poms reaching our shores, he’s been the best buy for money! A very talented player who has had a great impact at the Raiders.”
Former New South Wales star Jamie Soward added: “John Bateman has brought toughness to Canberra and he’s got a great footy brain which is underrated.
“He’s a massive competitor which fits in perfectly into coach Ricky Stuart’s set-up.”
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