A few years ago, Luke Bateman was weighing whether to chase Olympic glory in the pool or pursue his rugby league dream.
He has proven choosing football was the right move by being thrown in the deep end with Canberra's under-20s this year.
The Queenslander was spotted up north by the same man who discovered Josh Papalii and Anthony Milford. He signed with Canberra as a 12-year-old and was so highly rated the club looked after his swimming fees.
A talented butterflyer, Bateman swam for his state at national level, but the Raiders are glad they won the battle.
Still just 18, Bateman was selected for the Maroons under-20 team despite starting the season in SG Ball.
Read more:
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/dive-into-league-pays-off-for-bateman-20130924-2ucjc.html#ixzz2fomA8CtW
Topic: Dive into league pays off for young Raider Bateman
