Joel returns with his family to Summer Bay after seventeen years away. He has an uncomfortable reunion with his younger brother Travis (Nic Testoni), who had never understood why Joel had suddenly disappeared one day. Joel reveals to Travis that their father Jack (John Grant) had been sexually harassing Natalie while working as her swimming coach. The two brothers agree to put the past behind them and rebuild their relationship. Joel takes a job working as a PE teacher at Summer Bay High and frequently clashes with Will Smith (Zac Drayson), who Gypsy begins dating. However he later softens his attitude toward Will and encourages him to join the school javelin team. Joel soon quits teaching and rejoins the police force. Prior to acceptance, Joel helps Donald Fisher (Norman Coburn) uncover the identity of his wife Marilyn's blackmailers as her friend Chantel (Toni Moran) and her boyfriend Eddie (Tim McCunn). Joel's next encounter with the police is less rewarding after going on a fishing trip with Don, Travis and Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher) where a prowler is on the loose, It turns out to be Vinnie Patterson (Ryan Kwanten) who has followed them but they manage to convince him there is a genuine prowler. However, Vinnie calls the police and the foursome are left answering some awkward questions.