Canberra Raiders confirm players departures

Canberra Raiders have confirmed their player departures for 2020, which include star players John Bateman and Nick Cotric.

Englishman Bateman has agreed to return to England to take up a contract with former club Wigan, while Australian international Cotric will join Canterbury Bulldogs in 2021.

From their existing squad, ex-Catalans winger Michael Oldfield will also depart the club, while young outside back Andre Niko will leave without making a senior appearance.

The Raiders have also said farewell to three players who left mid-season.

They are Jack Murchie, who joined New Zealand Warriors, and Luke Bateman and JJ Collins, who both decided to step away from the game during the Covid-19 pandemic.