Fiery ex-Raider John Bateman has dismissed suggestions he is angling for an NRL return to appease reportedly homesick Australian partner Amy Reilly.
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Bateman and Reilly have both taken to social media in response to suggestions the England international was considering a move back to Australia, after being linked with the Wests Tigers.
The 27-year-old departed Canberra at the end of last season, to take up a four-year deal with his boyhood club Wigan in the English Super League. He claimed being closer to his daughter, Millie, was the key reason he chose to return home.
And Bateman took to Instagram and Twitter on Wednesday night outlining his plans to stay in England.
"Firstly my GIRLFRIEND...not my wife @amy is not one bit homesick and she has in fact been living the best life ever by being on holiday for the last 4 months," Bateman wrote.
"So let me assure you she's not homesick, if anything she's absolutely loving England.
"Also I assure I'm 100% committed to being at @wigan and my life back home with my family and friends.
"I can't wait to get stuck into the back end of the season with the lads.
"Thank you for the messages of concern I appreciate it but there is really no substance to any of these stories whatsoever.
"P.S @amy will be getting a job very soon trust me and there's been no secret wedding."
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Reilly was also quick to pour cold water on the theory she was homesick.
"The media is continuing to run with and add to a story that I am homesick and pushing for John to speak to clubs/return to the NRL," Reilly posted.
"I just want to come out and say that none of the above is true. I have never stated publicly nor privately that I am homesick as that is not the case."
Former Raiders halfback George Williams returned to England earlier this year citing homesickness, having fulfilled just half of his three-year contract with the Green Machine.
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
