Hull FC’s unsung weapon hailed as star singles key to maximising crucial run

Hull FC welcome back a big gun for Sunday’s clash against Toulouse.

Hull FCs Joe Batchelor celebrates scoring a try.

Connor Bailey has hailed the impact of Hull FC back-rower Joe Batchelor – even if he’s had a disrupted start to life at the Black and Whites.

Batchelor – set to return to the side for Sunday’s game against Toulouse Olympique after a recent back injury – was the first big signing Hull got done ahead of 2026, with Richie Myler and co. looking for experience, professionalism, and leadership to kick the first-team environment on.

And while calf and back issues have limited Batchelor’s time on the field so far to four games, his impact off the field has been exactly what was hoped for.

“He’s been class,” Bailey told Hull Live. “We’re from the same area, so I sort of half knew him before. More than his brother James, really; we came through at Wakefield together, but he’s been class.

“Obviously, he’s won the lot, and we play the same position. He’s a really top bloke and he’s really approachable. I know that I can go up to him and ask him anything I want. He takes a lot of his time out to do a lot of extras for me after training, which I’m really grateful for.

“He’s unbelievable. He’s been great for the group. Obviously, he’s won a lot and he’s a very highly respected player. We’ve got so much respect for him and I’m buzzing to see him back in the team this weekend.”

Ready to push on and make a fist of their play-off goal, Hull know they need continuity now in terms of selection – especially with their big spine players – as they look to make their top-six aspiration a reality.

“We’ve lost a few key members to the team,” Bailey continued. “But as long as we can keep Jake (Arthur), Belly (James Bell), and Seze (Aidan Sezer) in there, and Logan (Moy) as well – I think he’s been absolutely class since he came in – if we can just keep those spine players in, it will help us.

“I did a lot of the pre-season with Jake, and it’s a shame that he has had a bit of a staggered start with his injuries, so fingers crossed, we can get some runs on the board now. As long as I keep playing well and stay in the team, then yeah, we can start building that partnership up.”

Looking to make it back-to-back wins, Hull know the challenge that awaits them, and for Bailey, the message can’t be said enough.

“We’ve spoken about attitude all week,” he added. “Lasty is really driving attitude because I think if we do turn up and we are not 100%, they will probably turn us over, and it showed that with York a couple months ago.

“We’ve just got to focus on the next few weeks now and hopefully we can string a few wins together and we can show what we are capable of.”