Joe Batchelor

Saints signed second rower Joe Batchelor from York City Knights on a three-year contract.

The brother of Wakefield Trinity star James, he first played under York head coach James Ford in the Wakefield College team, before joining Sheffield Eagles’ academy and then having a year in Australia.

He returned to the UK in 2016 for a spell at Coventry Bears and moved to the Minster city the following year.

An outstanding 2017 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.

Despite attracting interest from Super League, Batchelor signed an improved deal at York and made 27 appearances in 2018, scoring 23 tries – including a try against eventual winners Catalans Dragons in the Ladbrokes Challenge Cup.

York ended the season as League 1 Champions.

2019 saw Joe spend the majority of the year on Duel Registration at York City Knights and Leigh Centurions where he impressed. He also made four appearances for the Saints – the same amount he made in 2020.

2021 was a real breakthrough year for Joe as he cemented a regular starting spot in the team. He played a total of 22 matches scoring three times and has been handed the number 12 shirt in 2022.