HERITAGE NO : 1249

Saints beat off hot competition from other clubs to sign Batchelor, who was the brother of Wakefield Trinity`s James.He remained with York in 2018 joining Saints for the start of the 2019 campaign. Saints boss Justin Holbrook praised Joe as a player they had monitored carefully and heralded him as a real standout in Betfred League One.

Joe was a strong running second rower with good skill and he also had a great work ethic. Batchelor had spells with Sheffield Eagles academy, played a year in Australia before joining Coventry Bears. An outstanding 2017 at York saw Joe named both the Player of the Year and The York Press Player of the Year following his debut season at the club, which saw him score 15 tries in 22 appearances. In 2018 he scored a try against Catalans Dragons in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

In April 2019 Joe made an impressive debut in the Easter Monday demolition of Hull FC and his career as a Saint was fully-fledged.the 2020 campaign saw Joe feature in several matches. Off the field Joe was also building reputation as an excellent communicator and key member of the Saints’ community programme.

The 2021 season was certainly a breakthrough period for Joe. A serious injury to James Bentley gave Joe the opportunity he had longed for. Joe certainly grasped the nettle and grew from strength to strength in defence and attack. He demonstrated keen awareness during matches and soon became a regular starter. His fortune and noted play was rewarded with a Challenge Cup Final place. Joe performed very well and cemented his position in the side for the rest of the campaign. In this dream season Joe played a key role in the Grand Final victory over Catalans Dragons at Old Trafford come October.

Dave Dooley