But after a four-month break in the lower grades, the 20-year-old is champing at the bit to use the final three games of the season as a stepping stone to next year.

Bateman will make his fourth appearance for the season for the Raiders in Sunday's match against the Gold Coast Titans at Robina Stadium.

"I would have been happy getting one game and this will be my fourth, so I'm absolutely stoked how this year's been going," Bateman said.

"I haven't been upset about not playing first grade, I wasn't expecting to play any games this year.

"To play as many as I have has been unreal."

Bateman was a surprise selection for the Raiders in their season-opening win against the Cronulla Sharks.

He played in the following week's loss to the New Zealand Warriors and again in round seven against the Wests Tigers on April 19.

Since then, Bateman has been developing his game in the under-20s, aside from serving a three-week suspension for a crusher tackle.

"It's about gaining as much experience as I can, and then next year, obviously (Raiders coach Ricky Stuart) has a plan for me going forward and we've talked about that," he said.

"Hopefully next year he sees me as a more permanent member of the squad."

While the Raiders are out of contention for the finals, they have made positive steps from this time a year ago.

"I've been around the club for a couple of years now and you can definitely tell that it's building from where it was when I started to where it is now," Bateman said.

"There's a massive difference.

"I know it's frustrating for everybody, for us as players and for the fans to not be getting the results, but it's definitely coming.

"The players we have been recruiting and the culture that (coach Ricky Stuart) has been generating ... I feel the future is very promising for the Raiders."

Bateman is a product of the Raiders' junior development system, joining the club's pathway program as a 12-year-old before signing his first contract when he was 14.

The Roma junior will have plenty of friends and family from around south-east Queensland attending Sunday's game.

Bateman comes off contract with the Raiders at the end of next year, but is keen to remain with the club for the long-term.

"I love the club and I've been with the club since a young age, so I'd really like to play all my footy here," Bateman said.

"That's about working hard, training hard and hopefully playing well and extending the contract from next year onwards.

"It's a good weekend to come back in the team, I've got all my family from Brisbane coming down to watch me play, so it's going to be good."

SUNDAY: NRL round 24: Gold Coast Titans v Canberra Raiders at Robina Stadium, 2pm. TV: Live on Fox Sports.