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Five Key Stats

Games | 21
Hit-ups | 167
Run Metres | 1,858
Tackles | 533
Effective Tackle Percentage | 91.2%

Best Match of the Season

Round 23 | Raiders 22 defeated Storm 8

Showing no fear against arguably the best forward pack in the competition, Bateman turned in the best performance of his young career against the Storm. On the field for 58 minutes, Bateman posted season-high numbers in running metres (165m) and hit-ups (17). 

Summary

At only 21 years of age, Luke Bateman announced himself in 2016 as a key member of the Raiders forward pack for many years to come.  

After six matches in his rookie NRL season in 2015, Bateman started 2016 off with the Mounties before getting the call-up to first grade in Round Six. 

Bateman would go on to play 21 first grade games in 2016, in the process earning himself a contract extension to 2018. 

Smaller in stature than most of his opposing forwards, Bateman quickly endeared himself to the Raiders faithful with his fearless hit-ups and stout defence. 

The Raiders huge victory over South Sydney in Round 21 was one of Bateman's best games of the season, as he repeatedly charged at the Souths defence like a madman on the way to 153 running metres. 

Starting on the bench for all bar two matches, Bateman was a huge impact player for the Raiders, averaging between 40-50 minutes playing time. 

Bateman is an anomaly in a Raiders forward pack brimming with sheer size. Never shying away from a challenge however, look out for a huge 2017 from one of the best young forwards in the competition. 

Acknowledgement of Country

Canberra Raiders respect and honour the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.