The latest news to come out of Wigan Warriors is that 24 year old John Bateman is to leave the English club and move to the other side of the world to play for Canberra Raiders.
The England international has signed a two year deal at the National Rugby League side from the beginning of 2019.
Bateman scored 36 tries in 125 games since his 2014 move from Betfred League 1 side Bradford Bulls. The player will return to Wigan to sign a three year deal on the conclusion of his contract in the NRL, which is two year plus an extra year if the Raiders want to take it up.
He said: “It’s great to know I’ll be returning here to Wigan, this has been an incredibly tough decision for me to make as I have enjoyed my time at Wigan so much.
“ultimately, I have always had the desire to play in the NRL at some point in my career, this opportunity is something I didn’t want to turn down.”
In a statement, Warriors confirmed Bateman also has a further year option on his deal with the Raiders.
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