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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.
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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.