James Batchelor's mind on off-field events while England issue is debated
Hull Kingston Rovers forward James Batchelor was absent from his scheduled media duties because his partner has a baby due - while debate went on about his England omission and prospects.
Batchelor was not in Shaun Wane's extended England squad named on Friday, ahead of the games against Samoa, even though he has been in impressive form while the Robins have competed in the higher reaches of Super League this season.
Hull KR head coach Willie Peters said: "His partner is due so hopefully he has got a new arrival within the next 24 hours. They (the players) are professionals but it's massive. Family is number one to the players and it needs to be. We've always got things going on. It's always how you manage that."
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Asked about how Batchelor has taken the news about missing out on England selection, Peters said: "He just gets on with it. He's still only in his mid 20s. I know it's a goal of his to make that England team. It's not to be, at the moment, but I know what he does for us and we love having him in our team. If he just keeps improving in the way that he does, it will happen for him eventually."
It was then put to Peters that the recent debate about Batchelor not being selected could be viewed as a positive for the club because it shows how well he is playing for Rovers.
Peters said: "I think it's a good thing for England rugby league. If players like Batch are missing out on that extended squad then it's a great thing for the game here because Batch is a quality player. I know that he wouldn't let anyone down at that level but there's some very good players here as well. Players like Junior Nsemba. He's a young kid but what he brings to a team, especially with the ball, he's going to be a player. They have got a good balance in the squad, the 17 they are going to pick is going to be a quality team, and I think it says a lot about where the game is at over here at the moment.
"It's unfortunate for Batch but he will just plug away, he will work hard, as he does. He has earned his way into our leadership group, he is one of our leading players, so he's extremely valued here and, given the opportunity down the track, I'm sure he won't let anyone down. There are some good players in that position but Batch can play in the middle, he can play 13, you can put him in a prop position, we have done that as well.
"His time hasn't come yet, he needs to work hard. But you look at where he has come since he has been with us. His game has improved in a year and a half - so another year and a half, two years, down the track, who knows how much he'll improve again."
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