Talking RL: What will John Bateman do next?

But define ‘best’.

If he stays in the NRL he can earn more money. And the forward has previously admitted securing Millie’s future is a big motivating factor.

"That’s the reason I go to work, to give her the best life possible," he said earlier this year. "I’ll stand by that, no matter what people call me. She’s my number one. I’ve travelled all the way to the other side of the world and miss her growing up, so I want to make sure my sacrifice is worth it.”

But if he returns to Wigan, he can earn good money (the NRL's website reports it about £250,000-a-year) and be closer to his daughter and extended family. For what it's worth, I'd argue he'd also have a better chance of silverware at the Warriors than any of the NRL clubs showing interest in him.

The offers are there, the situation is clear.

The only unknown is we don’t know how John is feeling, how he’s thinking.

That will all become clear, I imagine, in the coming days and weeks.

But in all of this, I’m surprised Canberra didn't hold him to the three-year deal.

Remember, they paid a six-figure transfer fee to recruit him from Wigan at the end of 2018.

He’s given them one fantastic season, hasn’t played this year due to injury and then released him after his agent asked to to look around for better offers.

As one forward leaves Canberra, another will arrive from Wigan.

Nothing has been confirmed but the Raiders have signed teenager Harry Rushton, even though he hasn't played in the first-team yet.

Frustratingly, if Rushton had left Wigan for a Super League rival, the club would have received a five-figure fee. But because he is going to the NRL, no compensation is paid.

It's a quirk in the rules which should be addressed as more Australian clubs target the English game's youngsters.

Many details have yet to be confirmed about the return of Super League.

But don’t be shocked to see the best fixtures at the back end, to increase the chances that fans get to see them. Such a move may appease season ticket holders, with clubs hoping they don’t request refunds.

Other details – TV deals, Challenge Cup, venues – have yet to be either confirmed or revealed.

But there is a certain irony that the one season when relegation would be fair (after clubs have ONLY played each other twice) we are unlikely to see any club face the drop.

Australia officials are in serious discussions about playing the All Blacks in a hybrid game.

I’ve nothing against it. But when the Kangaroos haven’t played England since 2017 – and aren’t scheduled to until the end of 2021, a four-year gap – I’d question their priorities.