Canberra have landed the signature of versatile England international John Bateman.
Bateman, 24, will join the Raiders next season on a three-year deal after playing for Wigan in the English Super League.
He brings the English contingent in Canberra up to four with Josh Hodgson, Elliott Whitehead and Ryan Sutton.
The West Yorkshire-native made his Super League debut in 2011 for the Bradford Bulls, playing three seasons for the club before jumping across to the Wigan Warriors.
His standout season was in 2016, where he scored 13 tries from 27 appearances. He’s crossed the line on five or more occasions in four of the last five seasons.
The deal with Canberra is reportedly a two-year contract with an option for a third season. Once it expires, Bateman is set to re-sign with the Warriors on another three-year deal.
He’ll be looking to improve a Raiders team that’s had no trouble scoring but has been woeful defensively. They’re on track to become the first team in NSWRL/NRL history to top the competition in total points scored and miss the finals.
In a statement on the Wigan website, Bateman said it was “an incredibly tough decision” for him to make.
“I have enjoyed my time at Wigan so much but, ultimately, I have always had the desire to play in the NRL at some point in my career so this opportunity something I didn’t want to turn down.
“Although I’m sad to be leaving the Warriors, it’s great to know I’ll be returning here in a couple of years,” he said.
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