Shared roof, divided loyalties: Joe Batchelor braced for family showdown in Hull derby

Joe has joined younger sibling James in the rugby league-mad city after accepting a new challenge at Hull FC.

But before the derby hostilities reach fever pitch, they are rolling back the years off the field.

"I'm actually in my brother's spare bedroom while my house move goes through," said Joe.

"There's a little conflict of interest there but he's looking after me so far.

"There's a mix of excitement and apprehension in the family but we know we've got their full support. It'll just be interesting to see what they do on derby days.

"Hopefully the house move goes through sooner rather than later so I don't start the season in his spare room."

The Batchelor family aside, there is no demand for half-and-half scarves in Hull.

The rivalry is intense and unforgiving, even more so now that Hull KR are the team to beat in Super League.

For Joe, it is a chance to trade one rugby league hotbed for another after seven years at St Helens.

"I'm getting a similar vibe here," he said. "Anyone who's got a spare quid has got a shirt on.

"My brother has assured me it'll be intense, especially in derby week.

"The rivalry pushes the two clubs on. They've had a brilliant year and it's up to us now to make sure we go up a few gears to get to their level."

While Rovers swept the board in 2025, Hull made significant strides of their own after years of decline.

The Black and Whites created a sense of unity that had been lacking in previous seasons, pushing Wakefield Trinity all the way in the battle for sixth and leaving Batchelor confident he was joining a club on the rise.

"I was just really impressed with everything Hull FC had to offer," he said, reflecting on the decision to swap Saints for the Airlie Birds.

"It was a challenge that really excited me and a team I felt I could really add to.

"The first thing that impressed me was how close the group is. There was a high turnover of players last season but they've managed to gel together and build strong morale. I could see that from a distance and have experienced it first-hand now.

"Secondly, there probably was a perception of a soft underbelly at Hull but they were in more or less every game last season. Even if they weren't playing their best, they were in with a chance. They fought to the death.

"I'm excited to be a part of that and am looking forward to seeing where this team could go."

The next step for Hull is to push on and challenge for honours, a pursuit Batchelor is familiar with after his successful spell at St Helens.

The 31-year-old won two Super League Grand Finals and a Challenge Cup before the good times gave way to a period of transition.

But Batchelor will hold onto the happier memories as he sets about writing another successful chapter in his career.

"I just look back on it with great fondness," he said.

"I made some great friends there and feel blessed to have had the success I did. There's many a player at the top of the game who will go through their full career and not get that chance.

"I've been a bit frustrated with how I've performed the last couple of years, including a couple of injuries, but I definitely feel I've got plenty left to prove.

"I'm feeling fit and strong. Sometimes going out of your comfort zone is just what you need. I'm hoping that's the case."

While Joe still holds the bragging rights for Grand Final winners' rings, the 2025 campaign well and truly belonged to James and Hull KR.

The new situation means any joy in his brother's success has now been paused.

"He had a fantastic season," said Joe.

"He's come a long way and worked incredibly hard. He's had setbacks like everyone but to see him come through them and have success makes me really proud.

"We take the mick out of each other in front of our friends but there's a lot of respect there.

"But now I'm here at Hull FC, I've got to hope he doesn't win anything else as long as he's at Hull KR. It's certainly added a new dynamic."