St Helens win race to sign York star Joe Batchelor

St Helens have secured the services of York back-rower Joe Batchelor on a three-year contract from next season.

The 23-year-old, who has been on the radar of several Super League clubs, will finish the rest of this season with York City Knights in League 1 and will link up with his new team-mates ahead of pre-season.

Batchelor, the brother of Wakefield Trinity star James, has been a standout performer in League 1 since moving to the Knights ahead of the 2017 season, scoring 23 tries in 30 games for the club.

The back-rower said he is over the moon to join Saints.

He said: “I’m delighted to have signed with St Helens from next season and have the unbelievable opportunity to train in a full-time environment with world class players and hopefully play Super League rugby.

“I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone at York, especially Jon, Fordy and all the coaching staff for the amount of hard work they’ve put into getting me to this stage.

“I am still 100% committed to finishing my year at York and making sure it ends with promotion to the Championship.”

Saints coach Justin Holbrook is glad to have the deal with Batchelor over the line.

He said: “Joe is a player we have had our eyes on this season.

“He is a strong running second-rower with good skill and he also has a great work ethic. He has now matured as a player and hopefully he will continue to improve with us at Saints.

“We are looking forward to welcoming him into our system.”