BY A.J NASH

The Wigan Warriors are still favourites to keep English International John Bateman as NRL clubs circle.

According to Sky Sports UK,  it’s down to a race of three between Wigan, Canberra and Cronulla.

Bateman has 18 months to run on his deal at Wigan but has an escape clause in his contract if he were to link up with an Australian side.

“I just keep batting it back and forth with Wigan,” Bateman said.

“Wigan’s my priority at this moment in time.

“I’m going to weigh up all my options, I’ve got a family so it’s not an easy move, not like jumping in a car is it, it’s the other side of the world at the end of the day.

“It’s massive for me. Like I say, I’m really happy at Wigan.”

Bateman will head to Denver for the historic Test match against New Zealand and says a decision will come soon after.

Catch The81stMinute Call Team this Sunday from 11.30am for Western Suburbs versus North Sydney live on steelesports.com.au