Seeing Ricky Stuart dripping wet but unflinching on the sideline while John Bateman made his NRL debut only reinforced his decision to play for Canberra.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The English recruit had a chuckle to himself at the sight of a soggy but undeterred Stuart during his team's 21-0 defeat of the Gold Coast on Sunday night.
But it was also a symbolic reminder of the passion Stuart has for the NRL club he won three titles with as a player and why, after some lengthy phone conversations with the coach, the second rower decided to make the move to the Raiders.
"He's really good, he's straight to the point," Bateman said of his coach in a thick Yorkshire accent.
"They haven't been a good couple of years for Canberra; we really want to go out there and do well.
"And it helps you to know your coach is passionate about the club."
Bateman's NRL career began with 30 tackles and 163 run metres on 17 efforts in constant driving rain as the Raiders' showed superior composure and game management against their undermanned hosts.
He's arrived with more than 150 Super League games under his belt for Wigan and Bradford, having made his England debut in 2015.
The 25-year-old knew he could cut it in Australia, but said he's still relieved to have actually proved it.
"You're probably not human if you don't get nerves on your debut," Bateman said.
"To pull that shirt on ... I've really been looking forward to it and I'm really proud.
"I'm confident enough in myself, know what I'm capable of, but until you actually do it it's a different story."
Stuart is confident of what he'll get from his English recruit this season.
"The players have bought in with Johnny straight away and visa versa," the coach said.
"He's going to be a wonderful addition to the club and that's what you get in those types of games (in wet conditions), that experience really helps you."
Australian Associated Press
