Canberra coach Ricky Stuart is expecting John Bateman to return to the field this season but the club refuses to put a timeline on his recovery from shoulder surgery.
On Thursday the 27-year-old went under the knife for the second time this year to correct a troublesome shoulder with the club labelling the operation 'successful'.
There were fears the Dally M second-rower of the year could be wiped out for the remainder of the NRL season, but Stuart is confident Bateman will return.
"We hope to (get him back in 2020), yes of course, and I'm expecting too as well," Stuart said on Friday morning.
"Talking to the doctor this morning he said it's important that we work with the player more so than worrying about setting a date on the calendar of when he's going to be back.
"We've still got 14 or 15 games to go so he'll definitely be back this season, it's just important to get the shoulder right.
"There's been some complications with it, hence the two operations."
https://twitter.com/RaidersCanberra/status/1268705265433448449The Englishman was devastated with the setback and was aiming for a return to the field in round four before the latest complication was revealed.
Bateman played 23 games for the Raiders last year in his first season with the club.
"John's been very frustrated with it because he's very much a competitor," Stuart said.
"He doesn't like to be sitting around in the rehab group or running around the oval while the other boys are training.
"It's frustrating him and it's disappointing because he just wants to play."
The injury is the latest drama surrounding Bateman, who has also been linked with a move back to England and rival NRL club Canterbury.
from WWOS https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/raiders-expect-injured-bateman-back/e6e5d839-80d4-4884-88df-bab22354cdd4
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