QUEENSLAND under-20s star Luke Bateman has been inundated with messages of support from the gay community following the homophobic slur that has made international headlines.

There is just one key fact Bateman needs to get off his chest.

“I’m not gay,” the 19-year-old said on Tuesday.

“I’ve had plenty of people from the gay community write to me or contact me on Twitter giving messages of support.

“I said thanks guys ... but I’m really not helping in any way.”

News_Image_File: Mitchell Moses was given a two-match ban for breaking the NRL’s anti-vilification policy.

The third instalment of the under-20s State of Origin fixture last Saturday night was marred by Blues rival Mitchell Moses calling Bateman a “f***ing gay c***” in NSW’s 30-8 victory.

The slur was clearly audible on Fox Sports’ live coverage, which was watched by more than 100,000 viewers.

MOSES BANNED FOR GAY SLUR

The NRL slapped Moses with a two-match ban, with the fallout even being reported in the New York Daily News.

Speaking for the first time about the incident, Bateman expressed surprise at the treatment of Moses and subsequent whispers about his sexuality.

“A few people have asked my mum if I’m gay and I can assure you I’m not,” Bateman said.

News_Rich_Media: Journalists Ben Dorries, Dean Ritchie and Sam Edmund review the weekend's representative rugby league fixtures and examine whether NSW have any chance of breaking Queensland's State of Origin dominance in 2014.

“I’m a bit divided (on Moses’ suspension). I wasn’t too happy about him being suspended but in saying that, I fully understand why the NRL took their stand and I don’t support homophobia in any way.

“Mitchell rang me to apologise and I said I’m not worried about it.

BAD WEEK: SEX TAPE AND SLURS

“I would be disappointed if I was in his position, but the league had to take action and he was on the receiving end.

“You don’t often hear gay slurs out there. At first, I didn’t know who Mitchell was talking to.

“Sledging happens all the time on the field, you hear all sorts of different things, but that’s what happens in any competitive sport.”

Bateman’s mum Leanne added:

“Luke wasn’t upset by it so I wasn’t. I don’t agree with those types of comments, but I do believe these things happen in the heat of the moment.”

“I’ve had a lot of questions in the last few days about whether Luke is gay and I can tell you he isn’t.”

The drama overshadowed Bateman’s impressive display in a losing Maroons side.

The Canberra under-20s forward hails from the tiny Queensland bush town of Miles and was a champion swimmer before devoting himself to league.

“NRL is the dream for me,” Bateman said.

“As a four-year-old I was playing under-6s and I said to mum all I wanted to do was play rugby league.

“I admire blokes like Alan Tongue (former Canberra skipper) and Shaun Fensom, guys who put their body on the line every week.

“I like to do a lot of work and make sure I'm always busy in defence or attack.”