St Helens news: Alex Walmsley ‘privileged’ to represent club
St Helens and England prop Alex Walmsley will celebrate his testimonial with St Helens in 2022.
The 31-year-old initially penned a three-year contract with the club in 2012 from Batley.
Walmsley has been named three times in the Super League Dream Team. He is signed with the club until the end of the 2024 season.
He has made 225 appearances for St Helens so far, scoring 41 tries. The powerful forward has won four Grand Finals and one Challenge Cup with the club. He has also won six England caps.
Also a Great Britain international, Walmsley says he is privileged to represent the club as they host Leigh this weekend as part of his testimonial.
Throwback: The inaugural Super League Dream Team
St Helens to host Leigh this Friday
Their clash with the Centurions will be the club’s only pre-season fixture. They kick-off the Super League season against Catalans in a repeat of the 2021 Grand Final.
With the Leigh game just days away and the season edging closer, Walmsley said: “You can tell there’s a new buzz about the place.
“Pre-season is long enough but to finally be getting to the end of it now and the game is coming this week, then not too long until the season starts.
“There’s an extra spring in everyone’s step this week and a bit more of a bounce and hopefully everyone is looking forward to it because I know I certainly am.
“Considering we’re only going to have one game before season starts, it’s important that it is a physical challenge and a tough game for us.”
Introducing our first squad of 2022 ahead of Friday's clash vs @LeighCenturions in @engywalmsley Testimonial at the @twstadium! 👊
The boss has named a 28 man squad filled with internationals and youngsters who could also make their Club debuts! 🙌
Read more 👇#COYS
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) January 19, 2022
More in Super League: Danny Walker signs new deal
Alex Walmsley: It’s a real honour and privilege
On his testimonial, Walmsley continued: “I’m really proud. I’ve said on so many occasions, it’s a real honour and privilege to play for St Helens and not just represent the club, but represent the town.
“Ever since I’ve come over, I’ve been welcomed so well by the fans and town itself. To be able to walk out and have my family there and celebrate 10 years at such a prestigious club is a real proud moment and something I’m really looking forward to.
“The fans have been great. They’ve come out and backed me and I wouldn’t expect anything else from St Helens fans. They’re so loyal for such a working class town and a town who go out their way to make sure they back us as players and a club, I’m really grateful for that.”
🗣️ "Hopefully there will be a good crowd here Friday and we are all looking forward to playing in front of you again!" @engywalmsley ahead of a proud moment on Friday… 🙌
Tickets ➡️ https://t.co/V9yhfuafIp
Watch in full 👇#COYS
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) January 19, 2022
READ MORE: Featherstone excited for the arrival of Joey Leilua
