Will the 2019 NRL grand final be John Bateman's last for the Green Machine?
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The Canberra Raiders star will undergo a second round of shoulder surgery on Thursday after coach Ricky Stuart had him in the selection mix to face the Newcastle Knights this weekend.
It's a massive blow for Canberra, who are looking to win the first four games of the season for just the fourth time in the club's history when they take on the Knights at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday.
Bateman's Raiders future is up in the air after his manager Isaac Moses began agitating for a contract upgrade last year.
But the second-rower has vowed he hasn't played his last game in lime green.
"No iv not mate," Bateman tweeted on Wednesday night.
While Bateman is contracted to Canberra until the end of 2021, he's been given permission to explore his options because the Raiders don't have any room to pay him any more next year.
The England international originally had shoulder surgery in February and he was hopeful of being fit for the Raiders' round-one clash against the Gold Coast Titans.
But several setbacks have seen him booked in for a second-round of surgery, with his recovery time listed as indefinite.
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A similar recovery time would see him unavailable until close to the NRL finals, but the 26-year-old was hopeful of being back on the field as soon as possible.
He's been linked to NRL clubs Gold Coast, Canterbury and St George Illawarra, while his former English Super League club Wigan has reportedly offered him a five-year, $3.5 million contract - which would allow him to be closer to his daughter Millie.
The extra surgery means if he takes up any of those options he may have played his last game for the Raiders.
"I'm gutted to be having surgery again, but it's what's best for me and the team and to help me get back on the field as soon as possible," Bateman said in a statement.
"I'll be working harder than ever with my rehab to get myself back on the field with the lads. See you all soon."
NRL ROUND FOUR
Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Newcastle Knights at Campbelltown Stadium, 4.05pm.