Canberra Raiders forward John Bateman will depart the club at the end of the 2020 season, after he was released from the final year of his contract.
Canberra Raiders CEO Don Furner said Bateman had decided to leave the Raiders after being given permission to seek other opportunities.
“The club made the difficult decision to allow John to pursue other long-term options and as a result, 2020 will be his final season with the Raiders,” Furner said. “We’re looking forward to John returning from his shoulder injury soon and finishing his time by helping us make the semi finals again. John was fantastic in 2019, featuring in our first Grand Final appearance since 1994 and winning the Dally M for second rower of the year.”
Bateman thanked the Raiders for the chance to come and play in the NRL and would do everything he can to finish his time with the club in the best way possible.
“The Raiders gave me an opportunity to come to Australia and play in the NRL and I’ve loved every moment playing for the club,” he said. “I’m doing everything I can to make sure I get back on the field as soon as possible and finish my last season with the Raiders on a high.”
