John Bateman has revealed he has "unfinished business" with the Raiders despite returning to England after signing with Wigan until 2024, per NRL.com.
The second-rower has signed a four-year deal with Wigan and has the option for a fifth season in his contract.
The 26-year-old has been sidelined after shoulder surgery and has stated his desire to go one further next season following last year's agonising Grand Final defeat.
In an Instagram post, Bateman wrote: "I donโt care what anyone says Iโll be finishing the season out on that field with a bunch of blokes I love to bits and in front of a wall of green from the amazing fans!!!ย I want to go out the best way possible and that for me is going one better than last year. I will be doing everything in my powers to make that happen."
Wigan released a statement following the announcement of Bateman's arrival, with the Dally M Second Rower of the Year adding: โIโm very happy to be returning to Wigan on a long-term contract. On a personal level, some of the best times of my life have been in a Wigan shirt and I canโt wait to return, to play and make some more memories.
โItโs been a tough decision but to be back to Wigan, to be at home with my little girl, my Mum and the rest of my family is something I canโt wait to experience once again.
โI still have plenty of unfinished business with the Raiders and my focus now is to get myself back on the pitch as soon as possible and put myself in the frame for selection.โ
In a Zoom call with his daughter, Millie, Bateman revealed the news of his move.
Wigan executive director Kris Radlinkski acknowledged the clubs excitement for Bateman's return.
โJohn is one of the best players in the world. He has the respect of players and coaches in both hemispheres and is a natural born competitor and leader.
โWeโve been extremely proud to see him take the NRL by storm in 2019 and weโve always looked forward to welcoming him back to Wigan when the opportunity presented itself.
โWe had an agreement with him that, should he come back to the UK Super League, then we would have first option on him.
"As heโs entering the prime years of his playing career, I think itโs a real coup for the Betfred Super League to have a player of his calibre return to the competition.
โIn what are incredibly challenging times we need to be sensitive to the fact that the financial impact of the coronavirus will inevitably lead to a restructuring of the squad and the club.
โJohnโs arrival next season has been part of that careful squad financial planning.
โThe reality is that like many other industries we will be making difficult financial decisions for some time to come, as will all clubs.
โWeโre in no doubt that this investment in John, as someone who knows exactly what it means to represent our jersey, will continue to drive the club forwards and bring our famously loyal supporters the excitement theyโve earned, as we all head into what will be a crucial period for the sport.
โJohn is now completely focused on getting fit and returning to the Raiders squad and finishing off his adventure in Australia on the highest note possible.โ
