Joe Batchelor, a recent addition to Hull FC, will be sidelined for approximately two months due to a hamstring injury. As Hull Live exclusively reported last month, the 30-year-old back row forward from St Helens has committed to the Black and Whites for the 2026 season and beyond. However, Saints manager Paul Wellens has confirmed a setback for the 30-year-old, who sustained the injury during Good Friday’s derby loss to Wigan Warriors.
Elsewhere, James Bell is also out with a broken foot. He has also signed for Hull for 2026, with the Black and Whites completing deals for Wigan prop Harvie Hill and York Knights back rower Connor Bailey.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Wellens said: “It’s looking like it’s going to be nearer to an eight-week injury. Obviously that’s a blow for Joe first and foremost, but obviously a blow for us as well as a team.
“It is a loss, especially given our back-row cover normally comes from a James Bell or a Jake Wingfield, and neither of those are available at the moment.”
Highlighting Batchelor’s qualities, Wellens continued: “Joe’s work ethic is second to none within our group. He’s the type of player who you probably don’t appreciate what he does until you go away and watch the game back and his finger prints are on a lot of the effort areas within our game.
“There will be big shoes to fill for whoever takes up that position because Joe is an important player in a number of different ways.”
Wellens, meanwhile, acknowledged that Bell won’t be playing again for roughly six weeks. Hill also participated in Wigan’s 24-14 victory in the Good Friday derby.
