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Wigan ace John Bateman wanted by THREE NRL clubs

England star is on the radar of Newcastle Knights, Brisbane Broncos and Canberra Raiders

John Bateman England Rugby League World Cup

JOHN Bateman has his choice of THREE NRL sides to pick from should he decide to move to Australia.

The England ace will be allowed to leave Wigan at the end of the season if he wants to head Down Under.

 John Bateman is wanted by three NRL clubs
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John Bateman is wanted by three NRL clubsCredit: Getty Images - Getty

And SunSport understands Newcastle Knights, Brisbane Broncos and Canberra Raiders have all made their interest known.

Australian sources say the 24-year-old is high on the trio’s shopping lists for 2019, but the Warriors may still hang on to him if they offer him a good enough deal.

Bateman, who played at centre in the World Cup despite being a back-rower for Wigan, has connections at all three interested clubs.

John Bateman England Rugby League World Cup
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Wigan ace Bateman could leave for Australia at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Newcastle boss Nathan Brown is believed to have attempted to sign him both for the Knights and during his time at Super League Huddersfield.

Wayne Bennett, who coached England to last year’s final, is also boss at Brisbane and childhood friend and international colleague Elliott Whitehead is at Canberra.

Bateman has flown Down Under with Wigan for Saturday’s historic Super League game against Hull in Wollongong and the high-profile clash with NRL giants South Sydney.

But any move to take him to the Australian competition is expected in the next two months.

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