John Bateman named in Canberra Raiders' reserves for Rabbitohs

In a major boost for the injury-hit Raiders, Bateman could make his return in the round-11 clash at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has also named young gun Harley Smith-Shields to make his debut. If Smith-Shields plays, he will be the third Raider in as many weeks to play his first game in the NRL.

Curtis Scott has been ruled out for at least one more week after an arm infection prevented him from playing last round.

Michael Oldfield has joined a growing casualty ward, opening the door for Semi Valemei to start in just his second game and Jordan Rapana will shift into the centres.

But the return of Bateman is the big Raiders news after having a second shoulder operation in June. He was initially ruled out indefinitely and has since signed a deal with Wigan to return to the UK Super League at the end of this year.

There were initial fears Bateman wouldn't play for Raiders again after his shoulder setback, but his addition to the forward pack would add starch for a re-match of last year's preliminary final.

The Raiders are still searching for reinforcements to help solve their injury crisis and are set to add another player to the squad this week.

Canberra recruitment boss Peter Mulholland has his sights on signing a loan player for the rest of the 2020 season, with five players out with long-term injuries.

Co-captain Josh Hodgson (knee) and Bailey Simonsson (shoulder) have been ruled out for the season, while Sia Soliola (facial fracture) and Corey Horsburgh (foot) face an indefinite stint on the sideline. Emre Guler (ankle) is expected to return between rounds 17 and 19.

The Raiders have only two spots available in their top 30 and Mulholland said they'll look to promote from within, especially given they've had a couple of debutants in recent weeks.

They've already ruled out signing players from the Toronto Wolfpack after the club withdrew from the 2020 Super League season.

It's left seven Australian and New Zealand players, including former Bulldogs and Sydney Roosters star Sonny Bill Williams, without anywhere to play this year.

Toronto has given players permission to seek short-term contracts elsewhere, but the NRL's mid-season transfer window closes on August 3.

The Raiders want a long-term player so signing someone from overseas isn't feasible right now.

"It's a nice thought but the biggest problem with that is they've got to get back from England and then have at least a two week quarantine," Mulholland said.

"Flights from Manchester to Sydney are very limited at the moment. With the quarantine, it's at least a three-to-four week exercise before they can even get here.

"Bodene Thompson is a good player ... but it's hard because we want someone to stay long term.

"By the time all the transactions are completed with a player from overseas it just wouldn't work. It's tough."

One option could be bringing in Canterbury second-rower Corey Harawira-Naera to replace the departing Bateman, which would help solve their forwards dilemma in the process.

The Kiwi international is reportedly seeking a release from the club due to his treatment following the Port Macquarie pre-season scandal.

He's eager to join the injury-ridden Green Machine and St George-Illawarra is also interested in his signature.

NRL ROUND 11

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v South Sydney Rabbitohs at Canberra Stadium, 7.35pm.

RAIDERS TEAM LIST: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Nick Cotric, 3. Jarrod Croker (C), 4. Jordan Rapana, 5. Semi Valemei, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. George Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. Hudson Young, 12. Elliott Whitehead,13. Kai O'Donnell. Interchange: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Joe Tapine, 16. Ryan Sutton, 17. Harley Smith-Shields. Reserves: 18. Sam Williams, 19. Darby Medlyn, 20. Matt Frawley, 21. John Bateman