John Bateman
John Bateman

Wigan's John Bateman undergoes shoulder surgery


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, whose only appearance for the Warriors so far this year came in their World Club Challenge victory over Cronulla in February, was ruled out until June after further scans revealed the true extent of his injury.

"John is going to be out for three months," said Wane after Wigan's 38-16 Super League win over Warrington on Thursday night.

Bateman confirmed on social media on Friday morning that he has had his operation.

"Thanks everyone for the get well soon messages and support," he said on his Twitter account. "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.