John Bateman to leave Canberra at end of season

Canberra have confirmed forward John Bateman will leave the club at the end of the 2020 season.

The 26-year-old has been an important member of the Raiders’ pack since arriving at the club from Wigan ahead of the 2019 campaign, being named the NRL’s best second-rower in his first season with Canberra.

Bateman, who has 19 caps for Great Britain and England, will play out the rest of the 2020 season with the Raiders before moving on to pastures new.

Raiders chief executive Don Furner said: “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.

“We’re looking forward to John returning from his shoulder injury soon and finishing his time by helping us make the semi-finals again.

“John was fantastic in 2019, featuring in our first Grand Final appearance since 1994 and winning the Dally M for second-rower of the year.”

Bateman added: “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.

“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.”

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