Gold Coast Titans are reportedly getting ready to join Canterbury Bulldogs in chasing John Bateman's signature. Canberra have told the former Wigan forward that he can speak to rival clubs for 2021, in order to see whether he can attract better offers.
Canterbury want him on board for next year, as reports the NRL's official site, and Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga is also a fan. Meninga, who currently works for the Titans, told the Courier Mail:
“I asked my recruitment manager (Ezra Howe) to sound John and Isaac Moses (manager) out. We would certainly be interested in him. We need a marquee player, to be honest with you.
“John popped into the market recently so he wasn’t under consideration because he was locked up with the Raiders. If he’s on the market and available, we will certainly be looking at him.
"He is hard to tackle and tough. He is very resilient. He is skilful, quick and has an evasive ability. He is a physically and mentally tough player … all the things you want in a player.”
Bateman left Wigan at the end of 2018 and was quite impressive in the NRL last season, winning the Dally M backrower of the year award. He has also admitted he will consider better offers elsewhere, with media reporting he wants $800,000 - more than his current salary of $600,000.
Source- Wigan Today