Canberra Raiders star John Bateman is expected to miss the first 7-8 rounds of the 2020 NRL season after having shoulder surgery earlier this month.
The Raiders released the following statement on the club website.
"Canberra Raiders forward John Bateman will miss the opening rounds of the 2020 NRL season following shoulder surgery," the statement reads.
"Bateman had shoulder surgery to repair an ongoing issue earlier this month and a return date has now been advised following the operation. Bateman will focus on being available for selection in round 7-8 this season."
Well, that’s a big loss for them. Join the club, with missing players.
Honestly with the loss of Rapana, Leilua, Sezer and now Bateman, I don’t see them making the top 8 this year.
I had the Raiders falling to the bottom of the eight this year and this makes it even more likely.
Rapana’s been upgraded
Seizar’s been upgraded
& Leilua only played 9 games last year
So why is everyone sooo convinced they won’t be right up there again this year?
I don’t think their replacements are upgrades that’s why.
Welibbahplahanadahday
Canberra are in a similar situation as the Chooks. Both have lost their half back and strike centre. With Rapana departing and Bateman injured, this is even more damaging than an English Test number 6 trying to adjust to the NRL as a number 7. Williams has rarely played half back.
kiwi
Canberra were flying under the radar right up to the finals last year. They also had an enormous amount of luck that gifted them some close games. Bateman played out of his skin as did some of the other members of that team. In other words, the stars aligned for them in 2019, that is unlikely to happen for them again.
They are still a good team and Williams will be an asset but they will be hunted this year which is why they will fall down the ladder.
this guy is overrated