'Who wouldn't leave their job for more money?' John Bateman's candid interview about future plans

Former Warriors favourite John Bateman has defended his decision to assess his future options.
John Bateman left Wigan at the end of 2018John Bateman left Wigan at the end of 2018
John Bateman left Wigan at the end of 2018

Canberra want him to extend his stay at the club but say salary cap pressures may prevent them from offering as much money as some other NRL clubs.

People are saying ‘Oh, you’re being greedy’,” Bateman told the Sydney Morning Herald.

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“Tell me which person in day to day life wouldn’t think about leaving their job if they could get more money for potentially double the length of time? Of course you think about it.

“It doesn’t mean I want to leave, but you look into it. I’m sitting here with my fingers crossed hoping something does change at Canberra.

“When I’m 45 and struggling to stand up, or trying to put my daughter through university, no one is going to ring me and say ‘you know that extra few hundred grand you were hoping to get? We’ve got it for you now’.

“She’s my girl. That’s who I wake up every day for.

“That’s the reason I go to work, to give her the best life possible.

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“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.

“I asked Canberra if after we’ve spoken to other clubs, can I come back to them and show them what I’ve got.

“I spoke to Don (Furner, chief executive), I told him I want to be in Canberra. That’s where I want to be. That’s my second family. I’ve never once asked for a release.

“I don’t want to leave. I want to extend.”

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Last week he angrily denied a report that he had requested a release from Canberra on four occasions.

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