'They've got another family here': ex-Wigan Warriors trio staying in Australia

The NRL season has been suspended indefinitely.

But travel restrictions are making a huge impact and the main transit routes between England and Australia - Singapore, Hong Kong and Dubai - will be closed by the end of the week.

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has huge respect for his English contingent, which also includes Josh Hodgson and Elliott Whitehead.

"I know it's tough on them but they've got another family here with the Canberra Raiders," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"We'll do whatever we can to make sure they're comforted.

"Their families back home should know they're safe and it's paramount we look after our own, and we'll do that.''

The Covid-19 crisis means Bateman will have to wait even longer to see his 10-year-old daughter, Millie, who still lives in his hometown Bradford.

“Millie and all my family were due over in two weeks’ time," Bateman told the Yorkshire Post.

"It’s really disappointing. I’m really gutted. I’d been looking forward to seeing them as it’s been about four months and, if I’m really honest, I don’t know when the next time will be when I get an opportunity.

“It is hard, really hard. But it’s one of those things that you can’t do anything about.

“There’s people all over the world dying so you have to look at the bigger picture. Don’t get me wrong, I’m missing them like mad but as soon as this is over I’ll be getting them over on the first plane."