The back row forward has proved to be a solid addition at Hull FC.
Hull FC players celebrate a try at St Helens.
Andy Last has praised Hull FC back row forward Joe Batchelor after a ‘sensational’ run in the team.
Overcoming early-season injuries, the 31-year-old played his 18th game for the Black and Whites against former club St Helens on Thursday night and, once again, stood tall in terms of his defensive steel, leadership, grit, and determination.
A solid recruit, Batchelor has quickly become an influential player in the Hull team, with Last highlighting one area where he sets the standard week in week out.
“He’s been sensational,” Last said. “He’s back to some of his best form and he certainly has got some presence in the group.
“He speaks with poise, a presence, which you know is backing up his performances. We speak about the TBAs, which are team-based actions, and they’re things like kick pressure and kick chase and escorting and diving on a loose ball. Batch bases his game on that, and he’s getting our TBA player of the week on a regular basis.
“He’s certainly got the respect of his teammates, and he’s really committed to this club and he’s really putting in a good shift. I’m really pleased with the way he’s been playing.”
Last is challenging his players to follow suit with Batchelor’s consistency and finish what has been a tough season on a high.
The side are next in action against Castleford Tigers on Friday night and with incoming head coach Steve McNamara watching on, there’s added motivation to impress and get more wins on the board and follow on from the 32-18 victory over the Saints.
“We’re quite clearly underachieving,” Last said. “A club of this size, the fact that we’re spending the full cap – we are underachieving, and the players are aware that they’re underachieving.
“I’ve said to them that good players turn up every week, so we’ve got to be confident and go out and deliver it week in, week out; show it; and get more wins – and then it solves so many problems.
“It’s been a really, really hard year. There have been lots of things going on in and around the club, and there’s been a lot of noise around the club.
“But every week that we play, they’re putting themselves in the shop window for obviously Steve coming in. I know Steve will be watching every one of our games because that’s the type of guy that he is. He is very, very diligent.
“He’ll be watching our game under the microscope and there’ll be some guys who will be putting some ticks in the boxes and there’ll be some guys putting question marks next to their names.
“That’s a motivator for those individuals. And I’m hoping those individuals step up and really start to put in some strong performances.
“We know what’s coming in next year, but next year is next year, and we need to focus on these next few weeks and making sure we do the right thing for the club and for ourselves.”