Fresh twist regarding John Bateman's future

Isaac Moses had been negotiating with clubs on Bateman's behalf about a possible move away from Canberra at the end of this year.

But the NRL today stripped him of his accreditation after ruling he had assisted one of his clients, Tim Mannah, to give false evidence ot mislead an investigation of the competition's integrity unit and compliance unit.

Moses can appeal and if chooses to, can continue to operate until that hearing.

But the saga has the potential to drag out the uncertainty over Bateman's future. He has been assessing his options for 2021 and beyond - with a return to Wigan next year thought to be one possibility.

Bateman would almost certainly earn much more money by remaining in Australia, where he was named Dally M backrower of the year last season.

But reports suggest the 26-year-old is considering a move home to be closer to his daughter, Millie.

If he chose to return, the Warriors would like him on board. They parted on good terms, he is valued as a player and when he departed there was a loose agreement in place if he returned - with a ballpoint figure of what he may earn.

Bateman could command a marquee contract – meaning only £175,000 of his deal would count on the £2.1m salary cap.

But even with that allowance he would surely need to take a financial hit to return home. These are uncertain times for Super League clubs as they don’t know how much funding they will receive after next year.

Bateman has previously indicated he wants to stay in the NRL - preferably with the Raiders - and earn as much as he can during his career for his daughter's long-term future.

The Yorkshireman is under contract at Canberra until the end of 2021 but they have allowed him to gauge interest for next season, and Canterbury Bulldogs and Gold Coast Titans are among those interested in him.