This is what it says in the press release:

“Bateman has signed a three-year contract with Wigan Warriors for when he returns from Australia”


It does state when he returns to SL so it is not necessarily after the 2 years (+1 year option) is up. I guess he could stay in the NRL, go to Union or any other comp if he wants to.

I'll say it again: I look at the Canberra Raiders (just watched their last game,in fact), and, unless they losing a fair few next year, I just don't see who Bateman (and Sutton for that matter) are going to replace?

Would you not take Bateman over Whitehead? I know I would.

Well they are, Shannon Boyd to Titans and Junior Paulo is returning to Eels.

I don't know that I would. Whitehead is proven in the NRL. Even at best, I doubt few would claim that Bateman was substantially better.

Both are props?

Sololia will go into front row and maybe Josh Papalii.

John Bateman is twice the player Whitehead is. I cant wait for him to prove it next year. We must have the most negative set of fans there is. All our best players are average (Williams/Bateman)? Give me a break

Who are their centres? I think that's where Bateman would be playing in the NRL due to his size

They’ve got Joey Lelua and Jarrod Croker! I can only see Bateman as a forward at Canberra but providing centre cover much like he does for us.

I'm not saying that at all! Bateman is very good player indeed, arguably the best we currently have at the club. I think you underestimate Whitehead, who I rate slightly higher, and we'll have to agree to differ on that.