Despite months of denials – John Bateman is quitting the Canberra Raiders after all.

The Raiders confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that Bateman had seeked a release from the final year of his contract which ran into 2021.

Bateman had a clause in his contract which allowed him to renegotiate annually.

“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,” Raiders CEO Don Furner said. in a statement.

“We’re looking forward to John returning from his shoulder injury soon and finishing his time by helping us make the semi finals again.”

Bateman is yet to play a game in 2020.