John Bateman denies 'fake news' report he has asked to leave Canberra Raiders

A Fox Sports article says his manager requested a release four times over a pay dispute.

Former Warriors favourite Bateman, contracted until the end of 2021, labelled the report as 'fake news'.

He criticised journalist James Hooper and added: "Never once have I asked for a release."

Raiders CEO Don Furner has also quashed the report ahead of the NRL's restart.

And coach Ricky Stuart said: “John’s on contract with us until the end of 2021 and we’re very comfortable with our relationship with John.

“He’s been working very hard to get himself right to go from his shoulder surgery and at the moment this is what we’re focussed on.

“As I’ve said in the past, when clubs start winning games the players get looked at by other clubs, but I speak to John daily and I know he’s fully committed to our club and he can’t wait to get back on the field.”

Bateman left Wigan as a Grand Final winner at the end of 2018 and took the NRL by storm last year, being named Dally M second-rower of the year.

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