Bateman could be lost to NRL

Canberra star John Bateman could quit the NRL after just two seasons to go to Wigan and reunite with his daughter.

Englishman John Bateman has become a crowd favourite at the Raiders

Canberra star John Bateman could shock rugby league by quitting the NRL after just two seasons and returning to English club Wigan to be reunited permanently with his 10-year-old daughter.

The Australian has been told the Warriors have expressed huge interest in attempting to lure Bateman back to the club where he played 132 games between 2014 and 2018.

Bateman, 26, is under contract at Canberra for this year and next but has been granted approval to negotiate with rival clubs for next season. Canterbury and Gold Coast are known to be interested clubs while St George Illawarra will monitor any developments.

Bateman’s daughter, Millie, is back in England along with his family, including mum, Bev. He also owns a property.

Millie had planned to be in Canberra with Bateman now but was unable to travel because of COVID-19 restrictions.

Bateman adores Millie and has regularly spoken of his goal of looking after the daughter he had when he was just 16 years old.

It is understood Wigan are considering making a major play for Bateman, who would be included as one of the Warriors’ two marquee players. Bateman is said to be “open” to a return home.

There have been unconfirmed reports the Wigan deal could be worth $3.5m over five years.

Super League clubs must lodge £175,000 ($325,000) in their salary cap for a marquee player but can spend any amount required to sign the player. Wigan’s two marquee players for this year are George Burgess and Jackson Hastings.

Bateman’s manager, Isaac Moses, believes his client could earn $800,000 a season.

Gold Coast are desperate for a quality forward while Canterbury has extensive room to move in their salary cap.

The final decision for Bateman will be whether to take the big money or return to Millie. Canberra remains hopeful Bateman will remain a Raider next season but there are fears he will leave.

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Bateman’s contract allows him to renegotiate his value after every season and the Raiders do not have the salary cap flexibility to offer him an increased deal from the $650,000 he will earn this season.

It is understood the Dragons have money to spend on a backrower but would be reluctant to outlay $800,000 a year for Bateman. Gold Coast may also baulk at that price.

Bateman — the reigning Dally M second-rower of the year — has only enjoyed one full season in the NRL but made an immediate and substantial impact, pushing Canberra to the NRL grand final.

The Raiders would rather have Bateman return to Wigan than chase big money at a rival NRL club. Those close to Canberra feel Bateman could leave the NRL after two years having proven himself to be among the finest backrowers in rugby league.

Frustrated Canberra officials haven’t been kept in the loop about Bateman’s negotiations with other clubs.

Asked last year about Millie, Bateman said: “We do have that great connection. It was so hard to say goodbye to her for a couple of months. I speak to her every day — we’re very close.

“She knows deep down why I’m doing this and my mum is there with her a lot.”

Meanwhile, Huddersfield Giants have confirmed former NSW winger Akuila Uate has been released and will return home, effective immediately.