James Batchelor Sees Hull KR Challenge as He Claims Team Mentality Shift

Hull: James Batchelor, the vice-captain of Hull KR, is feeling the heat as he aims to secure his spot in the team. He’s been a standout player for the Robins, helping them reach their first Grand Final last year. But despite his contributions, he knows he’s got some stiff competition this season.

Last year, Hull KR fell short of winning both the Super League and Challenge Cup, and Batchelor is eager to change that in 2025. He mentioned, “We have unfinished business and need to step up if we want to win trophies.” The team is determined to improve and believes they can achieve their goals this year.

With some key players leaving, like Ryan Hall and Matt Parcell, the team has brought in some big names, including Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and Michael McIllorum. Batchelor noted that the training intensity has ramped up, making it a competitive environment.

He’s now in a tough battle for a starting position with other talented players like Kelepi Tanginoa and Rhyse Martin. Batchelor said, “We all bring something unique, and it’s going to be a challenge to stay in the lineup.”

The team kicks off their season against Castleford on February 14, and they’ve just returned from a grueling training camp in Tenerife. Batchelor joked about the tough training sessions, saying, “It’s not a holiday, but at least it’s warm compared to the freezing weather back home!”