England star John Bateman stays busy despite the COVID-19 break

John Bateman picked up the tools in Canberra on Tuesday as some players start to go to work during the NRL season break. The England back-rower was seen helping a friend do some manual labour in the centre of Australia’s capital.

First ever day grafting,I’m done with it!! Give me rugby back please 😫🤦🏽‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/McMgOlTyRQ

— John Bateman (@johnbateman1) March 31, 2020

Speaking to the Canberra Times Bateman said the work was purely a favour in these testing times: “Not officially on the tools, but I’ve come to do a little bit of work today for one of my mates, just helping him out,” he said. “He’s just stripping some roofs and he’s throwing some rubbish down. I just clean up. It’s not much. I can’t do much. I’ve got my shoulder injury.” However, Bateman is not the only Raiders man working during the break, with international teammate Elliott Whitehead posting a number of farm-related posts on his Instagram story. “I think Elliott’s on a farm somewhere in Canberra. I’m not too sure what’s going down. I just keep seeing videos of cows,” Bateman added. The Rugby League Players Association agreed to an interim 75 per cent pay cut with players expected to agree to a basic deal on payment, which will guarantee them two months of wages over seven months. Source- SARL