Joe Batchelor extends St Helens stay

St Helens forward Joe Batchelor has signed a new two-year deal with the club.

The 26-year-old back-rower has made 24 club appearances for St Helens since joining from York in 2019, with 16 of those coming this season.

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.”

Batchelor played for Coventry Bears in 2016 prior to his move to York, where he scored 38 tries in 48 games.

Saints coach Kristian Woolf said: “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 earned 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.”