The Canberra Raiders have reportedly rejected four release requests from England international John Bateman's management since last year's grand final.
Fox Sports reports, the 26-year-old had repeated release requests knocked back by the club over the summer, with the Raiders refusing to budge on a contract that doesn't expire until the end of next season.
Whispers of Bateman's restlessness in the nation's capital surfaced last year ahead of the Green Machine's grand final clash against the Roosters.
At that time the Dally M second-rower of the year said he would pursue other offers if the Raiders couldn't improve on his deal of around $400,000 per season.
That sentiment coincided with a change in management after joining high profile player manager Isaac Moses ahead of the grand final.
Since then, the England forward's management has reportedly made at least four approaches to the club, arguing Bateman could sign a more lucrative contract elsewhere.
The Raiders were reportedly unmoved by the requests, maintaining Bateman has a contract in Canberra until the end of 2021.
Currently recovering from shoulder surgery, the backrower will be unavailable for the Raiders' round three clash against the Storm.
from WWOS http://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/john-bateman-release-requests-denied-four-times-by-canberra-raiders/7cb35e34-e68f-431c-bb9b-cdeff990cf17
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