PANTHERS: St Helens man ‘enquired’ about by NRL champs 

PANTHERS: St Helens man ‘enquired’ about by NRL champs 

**St Helens Man ‘Enquired’ About by NRL Champs Penrith Panthers**

St Helens forward Joe Batchelor has reportedly caught the attention of the reigning NRL champions, the Penrith Panthers, with the club making inquiries about the English player. The 27-year-old has been a standout performer for St Helens, especially in recent seasons, contributing to the club’s dominance in the Super League.

Batchelor’s performances have not gone unnoticed, and it seems the Panthers have taken a keen interest in securing the versatile forward, who can play in both the back row and the middle. His combination of toughness, work ethic, and skill on the field has made him one of the key figures in St Helens’ success, including their three consecutive Super League titles from 2019 to 2021.

Penrith’s interest in Batchelor comes as no surprise, given the club’s well-documented focus on building a strong squad with depth and versatility. The Panthers have been consistently one of the top teams in the NRL in recent seasons, winning the 2021 and 2022 NRL Premierships, and their recruitment strategy has seen them target players who can add both quality and depth to their roster. With a history of successful imports from the UK, including the likes of James Fisher-Harris and Viliame Kikau, the Panthers may see Batchelor as a potential addition who could thrive in the NRL environment.

Batchelor, who has been with St Helens since 2017, is known for his strong defensive game, his ability to break tackles, and his resilience in attack. He has been a key player in the St Helens pack, often tasked with leading the charge in the middle of the field. His consistency and physicality make him a highly valuable asset in the demanding world of rugby league, and it is clear that Penrith could benefit from his skill set.

However, any potential move to the NRL would not be straightforward. Batchelor is under contract with St Helens for the foreseeable future, and the club will likely want to retain him as they continue to challenge for Super League titles. Furthermore, Penrith would need to negotiate with St Helens to secure the player’s release or reach an agreement for a transfer, which could be a complex process given Batchelor’s importance to the team.

Despite this, the reported interest from the Panthers highlights Batchelor’s growing reputation as one of the top forwards in the English game and his potential to make an impact in the NRL should the opportunity arise. With Penrith always looking to strengthen their squad, the coming months may reveal more about the future of this exciting prospect.