“IT just shows how far hard work can take you,” James Ford said after former charge Joe Batchelor signed a new deal with St Helens.

Second-row forward Batchelor joined Saints from York City Knights in 2019, and has just penned a new contract which will keep him at the Super League giants until 2023.

After moving to Merseyside, he spent six games on loan back at the Knights, and another half-dozen at Leigh Centurions, in 2019.

Earlier this year, Batchelor became a Challenge Cup-winner when Saints beat Castleford 26-12 in the Wembley final. It was one of his 16 appearances this year for Kristian Woolf's side.

“Joe’s obviously very talented but his best talent is his willingness and his attitude to work on his game,” Knights head coach Ford said.

“He went away to St Helen’s and, probably by his own admission, he felt they didn’t fancy him initially but he’s persevered and worked tremendously hard.

“He’s won the Challenge Cup with St Helen’s - I’m not sure he’ll remember much about it - and he’s been rewarded with a new contract.

“I’m absolutely delighted for him.

“It shows just how far hard work can take you.”