Championship side sign former Super League centre

Batley Bulldogs have confirmed the signing of former Super League centre Joe Arundel.

The 33-year-old went through the ranks at Castleford Tigers, making his Super League debut at the age of 16.

He then went on to make 44 appearances for the club, scoring 15 tries.

He also had a Super League spell with Hull FC, but most notably played for Wakefield Trinity from 2015 to 2021, making over 100 appearances.

Since then, however, he has spent time in the RFL Championship with Halifax Panthers and Bradford Bulls.

In 2024, due to injury, he only made 12 appearances across the league, 1895 Cup and Challenge Cup, and scored two tries.

Injury also played a major part in his 2020 campaign, due to suffering an ACL injury in defeat to Castleford Tigers which ended his season – as early as February.

Championship side sign former Super League centre: the reaction

Via a club statement, Batley head coach Mark Moxon said: “Joe has lots of experience playing at a high level and we are hoping he can bring all that experience and knowledge into our group.

“Having had a season interrupted by injury at Bradford last year, Joe is hoping to spend as much time on the field as possible and get back to enjoying his rugby.

“That is something that I feel we can help him achieve and in return hope he brings some of that Super League quality that he has shown throughout his career.”

The Bulldogs survived comfortably in the Championship, in the end, and bringing some Super League experience could help consolidate their position.

Arundel can also show that he is a player with versatility, as he has played at second-row at times throughout his career.