Wigan's John Bateman out for three months after shoulder surgery
Friday 10 March 2017 11:49, UK
Wigan forward John Bateman has undergone shoulder surgery that will force him to miss England's mid-season international against Samoa.
The 23-year-old former Bradford second rower has been ruled out until June after further scans revealed the extent of his injury.
Bateman has only made one appearance for the Warriors so far this year in their World Club Challenge victory over Cronulla in February,
"John is going to be out for three months," said Wigan head coach Shaun Wane after their 38-16 Super League win over Warrington on Thursday night.
Bateman confirmed on social media on Friday morning that he has completed his operation.
"Thanks everyone for the get well soon messages and support," he said. "Operation done and my recovery is under way."
Bateman, a member of coach Wayne Bennett's 30-man elite performance squad, has played in six of England's last seven matches and would have been in the running for the Test match against Samoa in Sydney on May 6.
Bennett has promised to take no more than three players from any one club for the match in order to minimise the disruption to the Super League season.
