ENGLAND international John Bateman admitted he was “gutted” after deciding to undergo a second shoulder operation.

The former Bradford and Wigan back-rower, now with Canberra Raiders in the NRL, first went under the knife in February, but it has been decided further surgery is required.

He is expected to make a full recovery, but it is unknown when he will be able to make his return.

Bateman said on Canberra’s website: “I’m gutted to be having surgery again but it’s what’s best for me and the team and to help me get back on the field as soon as possible.

“I’ll be working harder than ever with my rehab to get myself back on the field with the lads.”

Bateman, capped 16 times by England and on three occasions by Great Britain, won two Super League crowns with Wigan before heading Down Under, where he helped Canberra to the NRL Grand Final last year.

He is still a popular figure in his home city of Bradford too, where his rugby league career began.

He is still regularly in touch with his boyhood club, Bradford Dudley Hill, and attended their charity friendly with West Bowling in December, acting as a water carrier.

A 17-year-old Bateman made his debut for Bulls in dreadful conditions against Halifax on Boxing|Day in 2010.

He made a handful of competitive first team appearances in 2011, before becoming a Super League regular for the club in 2012 and 2013.

To the disappointment of Bulls fans, he moved to Wigan for just £70,000 at the end of 2013, and his career his gone from strength to strength since.