Wigan Warriors' John Bateman sends out social media message following England's Rugby League World Cup exit

The 29-year-old went over for a try in Saturday’s semi-final loss to Samoa the Emirates Stadium.

In a Twitter post, Bateman thanked the fans for their support throughout the last couple of months.

He wrote: “Didn’t finish the way we wanted it to go but what a six and so weeks it was with the best group of blokes I could ask for.

“Thank you to the fans who supported us along the way. We greatly appreciate it.

“Time to enjoy my time off and enjoy so well earned family time.”

During the tournament, Bateman was linked with an NRL move to Wests Tigers, but no official approach was made to Wigan.

Ahead of the quarter-final tie against Papua New Guinea, the second-rower stated he would only comment on the situation following the conclusion of the World Cup.