Both Bateman and Sutton are keen to ply their trade in the NRL next season.

Inside Sport understands the back-rower and prop are set to sign with the Raiders.

Canberra is already home to England internationals Josh Hodgson and Elliot Whitehead.

Bateman and Whitehead are close friends, both hail from Bradford and made their debuts in Super League with the Bradford Bulls.

It is believed the Raiders will play a transfer free for Bateman, who has played 12 Tests for England.

Young front-rower Sutton is off-contract. Both players had been linked to a move to Cronulla after they were photographed meeting Sharks coach Shane Flanagan in February.