The email which persuaded John Bateman to return to Wigan Warriors

The forward was weighing up his options at Canberra – with several NRL clubs also interested – when Wigan made him an offer to return after two years away.

Radlinski sent the 27-year-old an email outlining what role he envisaged Bateman playing in 2021 if he did decide to come back to the Super League.

At the time, the country was in the grip of the first lockdown and there was uncertainty over when and how the season would resume.

Bateman, who visited the Warriors’ Robin Park training base on Friday, revealed: “Rads sent me an email and laid it on the line how tough it has been this year, both for the sport and for people in general.

“He wanted me to come back and be a cornerstone of the club and the way he put it, it got to me.

“Literally I got that and I turned around to my girlfriend and I said, ‘I’m going back home’.

“That was the main thing, and for Rads to put himself out – he went heaven and hell to get me – and one of the big things was he wanted me to help take the club forward, and play a leadership role with some of the younger players.

“I’ve come back to be closer to my family, but I’ve also come back to join a club where I want to be at and where I know I’ll be wanted.”

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