“Everyone at the club wishes Alex all the best with his recovery,” a St Helens statement read.

NRL: Why risk your happiness for a few extra quid? – Alex Walmsley reveals NRL snubs

Alex Walmsley on future playing days

Speaking on the Love Rugby League Podcast in early August, Walmsley said he wants to play on for as long as his body allows him to, and expects to have a good few years left yet given his relatively late entrance into the professional ranks.

“I didn’t come into the professional game until I was 22 years which will probably give me an extra few years,” he said.

“I played amateur and went to university. Personally I didn’t put my body through the same things that the modern Super League player puts himself through at 18, 19 years old.

“I’ve got a few years left in the body yet. The successes we have had in the last few years drives your hunger and desire even more. We want to do something that nobody has ever done. And to do that you have to drive yourself physically and mentally to be the best. And I’m enjoying that.

“A happy fighter is a dangerous fighter and that is true in any field you are involved with. I’m at a good club with a good set of lads who make that quite easy to do.”