John Bateman facing two months on the sidelines

England star John Bateman will miss the next six to eight weeks after fracturing his eye socket in Canberra’s win over Penrith on Saturday.

The 25-year-old sustained the eye injury following a collision with Panthers’ blockbusting Fijian back-rower Viliame Kikau and was sent to hospital following a head injury assessment.

Ryan Sutton, who joined Bateman at Canberra from Wigan, put in a starring performance at loose forward to inspire the Raiders to a 30-12 win over the Panthers in Wagga Wagga.

Bateman has been a shining light in the NRL since his off-season move from Wigan, having made an average of 109 metres per game in his eight appearances Down Under.

In a statement released by Canberra, it read: “Raiders forward John Bateman will miss 6-8 weeks after it was confirmed today he will require surgery on an eye socket fracture.

“Bateman will miss 6-8 weeks and is expected to return between rounds 15-17.”