Raiders cult hero drops contract bombshell ahead of grand final

Canberra crowd favourite John Bateman has dropped a contract bombshell in NRL grand final week, revealing he could ask for a release if he can't secure an upgrade.

Signed with the Raiders until the end of 2021, Bateman is in the first-year of a three-year stint in the NRL before he is due to return to Wigan in the English Super League.

UNPRECEDENTED: League siblings set for stunning slice of grand final history

'TOTALLY INEXCUSABLE': Anger over 'disgusting' fallout in Erin Molan saga

The Englishman has become something of a cult hero at Canberra, getting through a ton of work on the edge and is the front-runner for the Dally M second-rower of the year.

However he told NRL.com on Tuesday he could try to consider other offers if the Raiders can't improve on his deal of around $400,000 per season.

"I don't know where Canberra are at with their salary cap," Bateman said.

"While I'm over here mate, I have to do what's best for me and best for my family.

"Moving forward I'll just have to weigh up my options and see what's there."

The 26-year-old has recently linked with Australian player manager Isaac Moses, and it's believed he could command a far higher salary on the open market.

He intends on setting up a meeting following the grand final, and insisted winning that was his main priority.

Bateman has a young daughter who lives back in England, with whom he remains incredibly tight.

The Raiders meanwhile face a challenge to keep their grand final roster together, with Jordan Rapana, Nick Cotric, Jarrod Croker, Joseph Leilua, Aidan Sezer and Sia Soliola all off contract either this year or next.

Soliola could likely retire at age 34 after next year, while Sezer's future is unclear given the imminent arrival of English half George Williams.