JOHN Bateman will be back in Super League next year.

Wigan Warriors have re-signed the England international from Canberra Raiders from the 2021 season on a four-year deal with a further option for a fifth year.

Bateman returns to the DW Stadium for 2021 after what will be a two-year spell in the Australian capital, in which the 26-year-old England forward lit-up the NRL having been named Dally M Second Rower of the Year on the back of his dominant performances in Ricky Stuart’s side in 2019.

Speaking about his decision to return to Wigan Warriors, Bateman said: “I’m very happy to be returning to Wigan on a long-term contract.

"On a personal level, some of the best times of my life have been in a Wigan shirt and I can’t wait to return, to play and make some more memories.

“It’s been a tough decision but to go back to Wigan, to be at home with my little girl, my mum and the rest of my family is something I can’t wait to experience once again.

"I still have plenty of unfinished business with the Raiders and my focus now is to get myself back on the pitch as soon as possible and put myself in the frame for selection.”