Alex Walmsley signs four-year St Helens deal

St Helens prop Alex Walmsley has snubbed offers from the NRL to sign a new four-year deal at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Walmsley, 27, has played 147 games for Saints since arriving from Batley in 2012 and will be in the redvee until at least the end of 2022.

Saints Chairman, Eamonn McManus, said: “This is superb news not only for the St Helens club but for the British game.

“Alex is an international class player who has been at the forefront of the sport over the last few seasons.

“He has established himself as one of the best forwards in the game and it is fair to say he can only get better too.

“We know Alex was courted by several NRL clubs and I have no doubt that this signing will be a boost for everyone in Super League.”

Walmsley played for England at the World Cup and was part of the St Helens Grand Final winning team in 2014.

Coach Justin Holbrook said: “Alex is the leader in our pack and this contract means we can continue to build around him for the foreseeable future.

“It is a massive bonus for our Club to have Alex re-sign on the eve of the 2018 season. There has been a lot of interest from clubs in the NRL and deservedly so.

“I believe Alex is the best forward in Super League and showed his qualities even further for England in the recent World Cup.”