Canberra star John Bateman is shattered after being forced into a second round of shoulder surgery.
The 2019 Dally M second-rower of the year will go under the knife on Thursday, ruling him out indefinitely.
“I’m gutted to be having surgery again but it’s what’s best for me and the team and to help me get back on the field as soon as possible,” Bateman said in a Raiders statement.
“I’ll be working harder than ever with my rehab to get myself back on the field with the lads. See you all soon.”
(AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Bateman had already missed the first three rounds of 2020 following off-season surgery and his latest setback casts yet further doubt on his future in Canberra.
There had already been speculation he would return home to England on a lucrative five-year deal with his old club Wigan, allowing the strike forward to also reunite with his daughter Millie.
Either way, his ongoing absence is a huge blow to the 2019 grand finalists’ 2020 premiership hopes.
“Bateman is expected to make a full recovery and will be working hard to get himself back on the field this season,” the Raiders said.
Impressive 22-6 winners over Melbourne in last week’s season relaunch, Canberra face Newcastle at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday.
Big Daddy
Guest
This ongoing injury probably knocks $100-200k off his asking price. Isaac Moses will be gutted.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
Bateman is no doubt a huge loss for the Raiders. Losing a player of that calibre in previous seasons may have derailed the Raiders but they’re a much different team these days. Ricky has a very good squad right across the park
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
The Raiders are still $5 to win the comp with the TAB and Sportsbet. They have the other pommy Sutton waiting in the wings and Hudson Young when he finishes his suspension for gouging. I rate Young - he has some skills and could be a very good addition if he can keep focused. And Sutton showed glimpses last year. A lot depends on Joe Tapine having a breakout year. He's showed a lot of promise but needs to show the consistency week in week out like Josh Papalii. Hopefully this is the year. There is no word on how long Bateman will need to recover. You never know - he could be back for the finals which are four months away.
Nat
Roar Guru
" The odds will probably go out from $5.00" kk says with a wry smile. :stoked:
kk
Roar Pro
Spot on Geoff. This is virtually the first news since the op. and it is a sad day for the Raiders and all fans who loved the way he played. I doubt if he will be back in time for the finals. Agree,he seemed restricted and unable to reach his usual heights in the last games of season 2019. I still think Raiders will be Premiers 2020. The odds will probably go out from $5.00.
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Roar Rookie
Very disappointing for Bateman and the Raiders - but you wonder why he didn't give the rep series a miss at the end of last season and have the operation immediately - he seemed in obvious pain during matches late in the year. There isn't much detail on why the previous op was unsuccessful and you wonder how this is going to affect interest from other teams if this ends up being a chronic injury. Hopefully the bloke has a full recovery.