Latest news with #JamesBatchelor
The Independent
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
James Batchelor hopes to follow in brother Joe's footsteps and win Challenge Cup
James Batchelor has plenty of incentive to lift the Betfred Challenge Cup with Hull KR at Wembley on Saturday and seize the upper hand in a lifelong case of sibling rivalry. While major silverware still eludes the 27-year-old Rovers second rower, older brother Joe won the prestigious trophy with St Helens in 2021 and also has two Grand Final triumphs to his name. James credits his riotous introduction to rugby league to the impact of his brother – his senior by three years – and is determined to emulate him when the Robins get another chance to end their 40-year trophyless streak against Warrington. Batchelor told the PA news agency: 'I definitely want what my brother's got. He's already got one and I want one to match it, and although there's always been a rivalry between us I'm sure he wants me to get one because he knows how much it means to me.' Batchelor admits the sibling rivalry between the pair was not always so healthy when they were growing up in West Yorkshire, with the younger brother eager to prove himself in games against much bigger and more physical friends. 'It could get pretty fierce at times,' recalled Batchelor. 'We were at each other 24-7, kicking lumps out of each other in the garden, and we drove our mum up the wall. 'But it definitely drove us both on, and I got used to playing with him and his mates who were a lot older than me. When they're all going through growth spurts and I'm not growing, it definitely toughens you up because you have to get on with it and you get no sympathy at that age.' Since joining Rovers in 2023, Batchelor has been integral to the club's rise to the top of the Super League table, but was also part of the setbacks of losing the 2023 Challenge Cup final in heartbreaking fashion to Leigh, and last year's Grand Final against Wigan at Old Trafford. Batchelor believes those tough losses have equipped his club to kick on and put an end to a much-publicised streak without silverware, which stretches back to Rovers' 1985 title win in what was then the Slalom Lager League. 'There's a lot of factors that add up, including the excitement of being back at Wembley for the second time in three years, but also having that motivation to get rid of the hurt of those two losses and go one better this time,' he added. 'We said after the 2023 final that we could either fade away or learn from it and kick on, and that's what we did. Every setback we've had at this club in recent years, we've been able to work on it and come back stronger. 'The 40-year thing is also a big deal, the taunting our supporters get about it, many of whom have been with us a long time and have been through it. 'All these things fuel the fire towards Saturday, and we definitely want to go out and win the trophy for our fans.'
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hull KR tame Dragons and book Wembley date in push to end 40-year drought
Hull KR booked their place in next month's Challenge Cup final courtesy of a comfortable victory over Catalans Dragons to once again move to within one game of a first trophy in 40 years. Rovers have been waiting since 1985 to lift a piece of silverware but have fallen agonisingly short twice in recent seasons, losing the 2023 cup final and last year's Super League Grand Final. However, they are undoubtedly now one of the sport's leading sides, underlined by this victory. Few could argue they did not deserve their place at Wembley. Inspired by the reigning Man of Steel, Mikey Lewis, yet again, Rovers had far too much for a Catalans side that could have little complaint about the outcome. Advertisement Catalans trailed by four points after a compelling opening 40 minutes and even led at one stage when tries from Reimis Smith and Luke Keary made it 12-10 in their favour. But Rovers, who had scored twice through James Batchelor, then went ahead when Lewis finished a wonderful team move. He would convert and then add a penalty shortly after the restart to make it 18-12. But even at that early stage, Catalans appeared to be struggling in the heat and how Hull KR made them pay. The Dragons offered little to suggest there could be any sort of comeback and when Jack Broadbent cut through with 20 minutes to go to open up a 12-point lead, the semi-final felt a long way towards being decided. That was then emphasised when Broadbent scored his second after a fine break from Joe Burgess. With six minutes remaining, Burgess put the seal on another landmark day for the Robins as he scored their sixth.
The Guardian
10-05-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
Hull KR tame Dragons and book Wembley date in push to end 40-year drought
Hull KR booked their place in next month's Challenge Cup final courtesy of a comfortable victory over Catalans Dragons to once again move to within one game of a first trophy in 40 years. Rovers have been waiting since 1985 to lift a piece of silverware but have fallen agonisingly short twice in recent seasons, losing the 2023 cup final and last year's Super League Grand Final. However, they are undoubtedly now one of the sport's leading sides, underlined by this victory. Few could argue they did not deserve their place at Wembley. Inspired by the reigning Man of Steel, Mikey Lewis, yet again, Rovers had far too much for a Catalans side that could have little complaint about the outcome. Catalans trailed by four points after a compelling opening 40 minutes and even led at one stage when tries from Reimis Smith and Luke Keary made it 12-10 in their favour. But Rovers, who had scored twice through James Batchelor, then went ahead when Lewis finished a wonderful team move. He would convert and then add a penalty shortly after the restart to make it 18-12. But even at that early stage, Catalans appeared to be struggling in the heat and how Hull KR made them pay. The Dragons offered little to suggest there could be any sort of comeback and when Jack Broadbent cut through with 20 minutes to go to open up a 12-point lead, the semi-final felt a long way towards being decided. That was then emphasised when Broadbent scored his second after a fine break from Joe Burgess. With six minutes remaining, Burgess put the seal on another landmark day for the Robins as he scored their sixth.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Hull KR beat Catalans to reach Challenge Cup final
Betfred Challenge Cup semi-final Hull KR (16) 36 Tries: Batchelor 2, Lewis, Broadbent 2, Burgess Goals: Lewis 6 Catalans (12) 12 Tries: Smith, Keary Goals: Aispuro-Bichet 2 Hull KR reached the Challenge Cup for the second time in three seasons, after overpowering Catalans Dragons 36-12 in York. James Batchelor crossed within four minutes and then claimed a second score after a lengthy video review to put Rovers on top. Two tries in five minutes from Reimis Smith and Luke Keary put Les Dracs ahead, but Mikey Lewis wrestled back a narrow 16-12 lead before the break. Hull KR restarted with high intensity as Lewis, who contributed 16 points, booted a penalty before Jack Broadbent's scorching run opened up a 12-point cushion. Broadbent's second sealed the win before Joe Burgess added late gloss. More to follow. Hull KR: Broadbent; Davies, Hiku, Batchelor, Burgess; Lewis, May; Sue, Litten, Waerea-Hargreaves, Hadley, Whitbread, Minchella. Interchanges: Luckley, Tanginoa, Brown, Leyland. Catalans: Aispuro-Bichet; Makinson, Laguerre, Smith, Cotric; Keary, Fages; Pangai Jr, Da Costa, Bousquet, Sims, Whitehead, Partington. Interchanges: Satae, Navarette, Seguier, Sironen. Referee: Chris Kendall.
BBC News
10-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Hull KR beat Catalans to reach Challenge Cup final
Betfred Challenge Cup semi-finalHull KR (16) 36Tries: Batchelor 2, Lewis, Broadbent 2, Burgess Goals: Lewis 6Catalans (12) 12Tries: Smith, Keary Goals: Aispuro-Bichet 2 Hull KR reached the Challenge Cup for the second time in three seasons, after overpowering Catalans Dragons 36-12 in Batchelor crossed within four minutes and then claimed a second score after a lengthy video review to put Rovers on tries in five minutes from Reimis Smith and Luke Keary put Les Dracs ahead, but Mikey Lewis wrestled back a narrow 16-12 lead before the KR restarted with high intensity as Lewis, who contributed 16 points, booted a penalty before Jack Broadbent's scorching run opened up a 12-point second sealed the win before Joe Burgess added late to follow. Hull KR: Broadbent; Davies, Hiku, Batchelor, Burgess; Lewis, May; Sue, Litten, Waerea-Hargreaves, Hadley, Whitbread, Luckley, Tanginoa, Brown, Aispuro-Bichet; Makinson, Laguerre, Smith, Cotric; Keary, Fages; Pangai Jr, Da Costa, Bousquet, Sims, Whitehead, Satae, Navarette, Seguier, Chris Kendall.
