Canberra chasing Englishmen John Bateman and Ryan Sutton for 2019
THE Raiders are considering raiding Super League even further with Wigan duo Ryan Sutton and John Bateman firmly in Canberra’s crosshairs.
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CANBERRA has targeted two Super League stars to complement their two existing Englishmen.
The Daily Telegraph can reveal the Raiders have started chasing John Bateman and Ryan Sutton to sign deals starting from next season.
The Sutton offer spans three years. No final decision has been reached from either party but there is genuine interest.
Both players are being chased on the recommendation of Canberra’s two current Englishmen — Elliott Whitehead and Josh Hodgson.
Sutton, 22, is a hulking prop from Wigan while Bateman can play lock, centre and second-row.
Bateman, also from Wigan, has made 12 appearances for England. He previously played for Bradford Bulls and is being chased by at least three other NRL clubs.
The chilly Canberra weather is said to be some attraction to British players who hail from the cold north of England.
Hodgson and Whitehead have been wonderful acquisitions for the Raiders.
Meanwhile, Canberra still await a decision on the playing future of halfback Aidan Sezer. The Raiders lodged a contract offer earlier this year but no deal has yet been finalised.
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Canberra appears unwilling to increase an offer they believe to be fair. Canterbury do not have sufficient room in their salary cap to make Sezer a significant offer just yet.
Raiders forward Luke Bateman has been offered a two-year extension although the club is yet to put forward an offer to five-eighth Blake Austin.
Canberra was reluctant to sign prop Junior Paulo to a four-year deal. He has since agreed to play with Parramatta.
Originally published as Canberra chasing Englishmen John Bateman and Ryan Sutton for 2019
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