Dec 9th, 2019

Dec 9th, 2019

Raiders star John Bateman has angrily called out a 'journalist' digging for dirt on his private life on social media.

The NRL grand finalist has a 10-year-old daughter after becoming a father at 16, a story that he has proudly told due to its impact on his growth into adulthood.

While Bateman is open about his close relationship with his daughter Millie, he rarely speaks about her mother.

His complex personal life is clearly a matter of intrigue to some, with Bateman sharing several screen shots of private Instagram messages from a user purporting to be a journalist, digging for stories designed to shame the reigning Dally M second-rower of the year.

Bateman posted the screen shots on Twitter this morning, along with a scathing message warning the Instagram sleuth to stay out of his business.

"Who ever this is, sending messages like this to my daughter mother. (sic) You really need to get a grip,you absolute freaks!! But if you want some stories and are handing cash out come see me I'll tell you myself you set of muppets!!" Bateman tweeted.

Wide World of Sports attempted to find the Instagram account exposed by Bateman, however it appeared to have been deleted.

In one of the messages, the Instagram user asks if he is talking to the mother of Bateman's daughter, continuing: "Were you in a relationship with John Bateman Canberra raiders (sic) second row player?

"If this is true we know he has not painted you in a brilliant light in his previous interview to triple m footy and to the NRL.

"Do you have any information that could be useful to a online newspaper?"

The user goes on to offer "instant cash" if Bateman's ex-partner agrees to dish some dirt.

The NRL.com piece that the Instagram user appears to be referencing was published in February this year.

In it, Bateman reveals how difficult it was to move to Australia for his career when it meant leaving his daughter Millie behind.

"I speak to her every day – we're very close," he said.

"She knows deep down why I'm doing this and my mum is there with her a lot.

"I'm really looking forward to her coming to see where I live and what Australia is like, see the kangaroos. It will be a great opportunity in life for her."