Has John Bateman moved a step closer to Wigan Warriors return?

Bateman has been released from the final year of his Canberra deal.

And Fox Sports says his lengthy spell out injured with a shoulder problem, as well as the controversy surrounding his exit, has deterred rival NRL clubs off from pursuing him. St George-Illawarra, Canterbury and Gold Coast had previously shown interest.

If true, that leaves Wigan as his most likely destination next season.

Canberra paid a six-figure transfer fee to sign Bateman from Wigan at the end of 2018 and last season he was the Dally M backrower of the year.

The Raiders gave him and his management permission to test himself on the open market and earlier this week, released him from his final season after growing tired of waiting for a response.

Wigan have tabled an offer - reportedly a four-year deal - which would make him one of their two marquee players next season.

He hasn't been linked with any other Super League clubs.

Australian Phil Gould broadcaster, a former NSW coach, said: “John Bateman’s no longer a part of their future, they’ve got a good roster, they should just get on with that and forget about him and I would recommend never deal with him again, but that’s just my own personal view.”