BATED BREATH

Brit star is left to wait in fear

- JULIE STOTT

JOHN BATEMAN has opened up on his coronavirus fears after the NRL warned of the dire consequences of suspending the season.

Last weekend’s fixtures were held behind closed doors in Australia in a bid to keep broadcasters happy.

But bosses put the competition on hold indefinitely yesterday after medical experts warned that it was no longer safe for players.

ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys warned: “It’s catastrophic. You can’t understate it, it’s probably the biggest challenge the game will ever face financially.”

It has left players fearing for their futures and has rocked Bateman and the eight other English players in the NRL.