Joe Batchelor: St Helens forward out of World Club Challenge versus Penrith Panthers, set for surgery due to injury

England international Joe Batchelor suffered the injury in Saints’ warm-up win over St George Illawarra Dragons last Saturday

St Helens forward Batchelor limped off during last weekend’s 30-18 NRL Pre-Season Challenge victory over St George Illawarra Dragons and underwent a scan on the extent of the damage The England international is now likely to undergo surgery on his ankle on his return to the UK and will miss the reigning Betfred Super League champions’ showdown with back-to-back NRL winners 

“Joe came off with an ankle injury, we sent him for a scan and it’s looking very likely that Joe will require surgery on his return to the UK,” St Helens head coach Paul Wellens said.

“It’s a huge blow for Joe personally. People have seen the influence he has had on the team, and the progress he has made as a player has been significant.

Further scans are set to determine the length of Batchelor’s absence, but he will definitely miss the start of their Super League season, which Saints kick off on Sunday, February 26 away to Castleford Tigers.

The 28-year-old was a key member of the team which secured a fourth-straight Super League Grand Final triumph last year, making 26 appearances and coming up with big contributions in both attack and defence.