St Helens have announced that Joe Batchelor has signed a new two-year deal with the club keeping him at the Totally Wicked Stadium until the end of the 2023 season.
Batchelor joined St Helens from York City Knights back in 2019 and made an impressive debut against Hull FC on Easter Monday of April that year.
Throughout 2019 and 2020, the second-rower spent time on dual registration with former club York and Leigh Centurions. However, the 26-year-old has forced his way into the first team this season making 16 appearances, and crossing for tries against Hull FC and Catalans Dragons.
On signing his new deal, Batchelor said: “I am over the moon to extend my time here. When I signed three years ago, I knew this was the club for me and I knew I wanted to stay here.
“This was always the aim, and I am delighted to sign on for another two years. It has been tough to break into the team and I knew that would be the case with the world class players we have here at the club, but I am delighted that I have been able to get into the team, prove my worth and I have been rewarded with a new deal.
“I always backed myself and I just needed a small run of games, and I knew I would be able to prove my worth. I am now looking forward to what the future may hold here at Saints.”
St Helens Head Coach Kristian Woolf added: “I am really happy to be able to re-sign Joe. He is an integral member of the team who is well-respected. Joe has earnt that respect of the group through his willingness to work hard and compete every week.
“What I like about what he has done is that he didn’t start the year in our side, but through hard work and persistence he has taken his opportunity and is now an important player in our team.
“He is a versatile player who can also play on the edge or down the middle and will play a big part for us in the future. I am looking forward to seeing him continue to improve.”
St Helens Chairman Eamonn McManus added: “Joe has continued to improve over the last couple of seasons and we are confident that he will make further progress. He will contend even more strongly for a regular position in the team.
“He is also one of the most popular members of our squad and we are all very happy that he has committed to us for the next two years.”
