Joe Batchelor Set for Hull Fc Vs Toulouse Return After Four Games
Joe Batchelor is set to return for hull fc vs toulouse on Sunday after a recent back injury. Hull FC get back a player they signed ahead of 2026 for experience, professionalism and leadership as they try to build continuity and push their top-six ambition.
Batchelor Back For Toulouse
The back-rower’s availability has been limited by calf and back issues, restricting him to four games so far. That has made this week’s selection call notable for Hull, who wanted him in the first-team environment for more than just minutes on the field.
Batchelor was Hull’s first big signing ahead of 2026, and Richie Myler and others viewed him as a stabilising presence. With Sunday’s game against Toulouse Olympique approaching, his return gives Hull a chance to keep a more settled group on the park.
Connor Bailey On Batchelor
Connor Bailey did not hide how much he values what Batchelor has brought around the squad. “He's been class,” Bailey said, before adding: “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.”
Bailey also called him “unbelievable” and said Batchelor has “been great for the group.” That respect matters inside a squad that has lost a few key members, because Hull are trying to keep their best options together for longer stretches rather than reshuffling the line-up every week.
Hull FC Selection Push
Bailey said he and Batchelor came through at Wakefield together and are from the same area, but the bigger point for Hull is how the side handles the next stretch. “We've spoken about attitude all week,” he said, and he warned Toulouse would “probably turn us over” if Hull did not turn up at 100%.
He also pointed to the value of keeping Jake Arthur, James Bell, Aidan Sezer and Logan Moy in the side, saying Moy has been “absolutely class since he came in.” Hull’s focus is simple: string a few wins together, keep their top-six push alive and finally get some continuity in selection as Batchelor comes back into the mix.
