Alex Walmsley Testimonial Brochure

10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

BIG

ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 2022

WALMSLEY
TES2TI0M2ON2IAL



ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

“This proud
Yorkshireman is now
very much an
adopted St Helener!”

As he prepares to celebrate his tenth season in the
red vee Alex Walmsley can survey a distinguished
record of four Super League titles, one Challenge
Cup and three Dream Team selections.

At 31, with 225 appearances under his belt, Big Al retains the same
dedication, ambition and enthusiasm he had on the day he
signed.
And the 6ft 5 front rower is still at the peak of his powers, with his
defence-scattering go-forward and leadership being an integral
part of the Saints trophy-winning machine.
Saints had high hopes when they plucked the
Championship's young player of the year from Batley
Bulldogs – Big Al being a rough diamond and a
relatively late stater to the pro game after
playing at Dewsbury Celtic.
But never in a million years would
Saints have expected to strike
such gold – with Big Al going
from 'a project' to one of
the best prop forwards in
the world of rugby
league, overcoming a
career-threatening
broken neck in the
process.
Within two years he
was running around
Old Trafford with
his first Grand Final
ring, and a year
later he was in the
Dream Team and
fielding offers from
the NRL for the first
time.
But despite the lure of
Down Under, Big Al
has remained loyal to
the Saints – becoming a
key component of the
club's success. And
dovetailing with that, this
proud Yorkshireman is
now very much an
adopted St Helener!
The tributes set out in this
brochure from past and
present teammates, coaches
and opponents testify how
hugely respected Big Al is as he
sets out on this landmark year of
ten years in the red vee.

PAGE 3



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ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

“I didn't know anything about rugby

– it was just football in our house and
I was a big Alan Shearer fan”

A CAREER at the top level of world rugby albeit at some cost to the Rhinos over the But it did not run smoothly and that did
league has to start somewhere, but for past decade. have its consequences in determining
Alex Walmsley it was the school visit of Alex explained: “I didn't know anything the often-convoluted path Alex took in
Leeds Rhinos' Francis Cummins that about rugby – it was just football in our his rugby career.
opened his eyes to the oval ball-game. house and I was a big Alan Shearer fan. Alex explained: “The Dewsbury Moor
Before then Alex's early sporting “I was 9 or 10 when Francis started team, featuring Sam Burgess in the side
interests growing up in Dewsbury coming into junior school. He was brilliant were always more successful, we were
centred on playing football, and and remember him kicking up bombs for always struggling for numbers and we
supporting Newcastle United, admittedly us to catch. actually folded at under 15s and I
to wind up his Leeds United-supporting “Being a bit bigger, me and my older stopped playing.
dad. brother Liam, enjoyed it. We were rough “I broke my ankle and ended up putting a
All that began to change with the regular with each other and loved that physical lot of weight on and at the age of 16 was
visits to the junior school from the Leeds side of the sport and joined up with overweight and was 20-odd stone and
Rhinos international Cummins. Dewsbury Celtic off the back of that.” not in a great place at all.”
With no junior system in place at In the newly-formed junior system Alex, The way back in came when Paul Heaton
Dewsbury Celtic at the time, this was a began playing a year above his age, started up the Dewsbury Celtic under
piece of evangelical work that would turn alongside brother Liam, for the under 18s team – even if initially Alex was not
out to be priceless for rugby league – 11s. really in shape for it and was again playing
a year above his age.
“There was no 18s team in the area and
Shaw Cross were struggling, Dewsbury
Moor had lost a lot of players to
scholarship and had folded. So Paul got a
team together made up of the old Celtic
and Moor teams.
“I remember the first training session
back I was so overweight that I could not
run the length of the pitch and was very
much a bench player,” he said.
But the fortunes of Alex and Dewsbury
Celtic dovetailed – with mutual benefits
with the team going on to win the
Yorkshire Cup, Premier Division and
reaching the semi-final of the National
Cup.
“I started road running, got fit and lost five
stone in the space of six months.
“I had a growth spurt, too, and got taller
and by the back end of the season was
starting matches,” he said.

PAGE 6

ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

Alex's development continued at Open the professional game – I have played went as Spartans – complete with
Age level – and although some of that Great Britain, been on tours, played in spraytans.
18s team had signed for Academy the World Cup Final and have been “I got man of the match in that game and
teams, those who remained formed the lucky enough to have won four Grand someone then told Paul Fletcher, the
core of a combination team that played Finals and the Challenge Cup. students coach, that I was at Leeds Met.
in the Summer Conference alongside “But so many of the times that I look back “They asked me to play and I was back
the likes of Bramley Buffaloes, Hemel and smile about most were my times at playing against lads a similar age to me
Hempstead Stags and Warrington Dewsbury Celtic, especially at open age,” after playing against big physical men,”
Wizards. he said. he said.
“There were a few big teams in that “By the time I was 21 Celtic were beating Again the offers came in with Batley
division and some of the opponents the teams that had knocked us about a coach John Kear offering him a trial, while
were ex pros and getting paid. few years earlier. Doncaster and Dewsbury offered him a
“I got knocked about as a starting prop “Our Liam had come back from contract.
– it was a tough apprenticeship,” he Wakefield – and I was playing with my Again, he had a choice to make where a
said. brother again. couple of things had to be factored in –
But the performances of this raw- “It was a great time.” not least his loyalty to his Dewsbury Celtic
boned, tough tackling, metre eater However, another front was about to teammates.
were not going unnoticed, but open up on the playing front after an eye- “I was playing with BARLA and had gone
fortunately for Saints at this time, Alex's catching display in more ways than one on tour to South Africa, with Garry
studies were being prioritised. playing in a friendly against England Schofield the head coach, and we were
He said: “By 19 I was nominated for Students. going on a Dubai tour with the sevens.
young player of the year and had the “It was daft really. The game took place at “If I had signed with Dewsbury or
opportunity to go to Warrington the time of my 21st birthday which we all Doncaster then I would have lost my
academy. amateur status – and the chance to tour.
“John Bastian, who was building the “I was also keen to keep my ties with
Warrington Academy system at the Dewsbury Celtic,” he said.
time, invited me over but I was in the But when the opportunity came to try out
second year of my Quantity Surveying what it was like to take that next step up,
degree at Leeds Met. Alex was up for the challenge – even if not
“That was more important because completely physically equipped.
rugby was just a dream at the time and “To say I was raw was an
didn't want to jeopardise my degree to understatement,” he said.
chase a dream. “I had not gone to the gym much either so
“I could have been Primrose and blue, I was a tall, slim and slender 15 or 16
but instead I carried on playing with my stone (I am 18 now to put that into
mates at amateur.” context.
And memories of that spirit and bond “I was still playing for Leeds Met and also
he had with his Dewsbury Celtic Dewsbury Celtic in the winter league
teammates is something that he recalls when I started this trial at Batley.
fondly – no matter how far he gone “We played at Keighley in January when it
subsequently in the game. was smashing it down with rain, so you
“I loved it and say this all the time. can imagine what the pitch was like. I was
“I have some unbelievable memories of on for 10 minutes and touched the ball
twice.
“I don't think they were that keen on me –
but Danny Maun told them to give me a
proper chance.”
That came in the friendly game against
Huddersfield where he played big
minutes and got the man of the match.
Off the back of that the contract from
Batley was on the table – and this time he
was ready to sign.

PAGE 7

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ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

In January 2012 he played his last game few beers on the Thursday night and then “The journey for Super League starts at 15
for Dewsbury Celtic against Batley Boys, it was captain's run on Friday before a cup and I had missed the boat.
then went back to Batley for a Northern game at Workington and I was rough as “He offered me the job, starting in
Rail Cup game where he got the man of anything.” September and I thought 'happy days'.”
the match. But his performances were up to the mark However, those plans were soon about to
“I did not go out of team after that, apart and beyond – and they earned their change in a massive way when John Kear
from when I was out with a broken thumb. rewards approached him one Thursday night.
“I had made the jump and had a great “I was player of the year for Batley and the “He said, 'what are you doing tomorrow,
year at Batley. Championship Young Player of the Year, a cock?'
“However, one thing I was adamant about great year that was completely “When I told him, not much, he said, 'right,
– having started the year at Leeds Met I unexpected. we are driving over to St Helens'.
wanted to finish it – and there was nothing “There was a lot of paper talk, but I was “That was it, we drove over on the Friday,
in the rules to say I couldn't.” finishing my degree and applying for QS had a chat and looked around the place –
It did present one slight hitch after Batley jobs. and then signed on the Monday.”
coach John Kear had agreed not to play “I went for a job interview at a building firm He did have one call to make, though,
him the weeks he played in semis and in Wakefield while I was playing for Batley. given he should have been starting a
final for Leeds Met. “He was taking on a junior who he wanted week later as a quantity surveyor.
It meant he missed the game which saw to nurture and them be a leading QS in “I remember ringing the owner of the
them throw a 24-0 half time lead away to five years time. building firm and said 'you know that thing
lose 36-24 down the slope in the second “He said, 'I don't want to lose you to that I said would not happen, well it's
half. rugby'. happened. I am really sorry'.
“I have never seen John go as mental and “I explained that I was 22 and that ship has “He was a Wakefield fan and wished me
he ripped into the team and I was stood sailed it is not going to happen. all the best.”
behind him.
“Then he turned round to me and said,
and you…you ring me straight after next
week's final because you're playing!
“The week after I helped Leeds Met beat
Loughborough in the final, we had a good

PAGE 9



ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

Eamonn McManus Chairman, St Helens R.F.C. Mike Rush Chief Executive, St Helens R.F.C.

Many congratulations indeed to Al on being awarded a I first saw Alex play for Batley Bulldogs in a match against Leigh
thoroughly merited testimonial year. Centurions which I attended to watch one of our former first
He has been monumental for us over the last decade, and also team players. Alex was simply outstanding. He really did catch
instrumental in the level and consistency of success achieved everyone's eye.
by this St Helens dynasty. I ended up in charge of St Helens R.F.C. in March 2012 following
When he joined us from Batley Bulldogs nearly ten years ago the departure of head coach Royce Simmons and that
everyone was excited by his physical size and raw athleticism performance Alex put in for Batley stuck in my mind. It led to
but few, if any, expected him to reach unquestionable world myself and Keiron Cunningham watching more of him in action.
class status. He has certainly achieved that. Alex continued to impress us and we met with his coach John
That has been in spite of a broken neck sustained early in 2018 Kear a number of times as he was obviously attracting interest
which resulted in him missing the entire season as well as from other of Super League sides.
potentially ending his career. It was a sign of the man that he That led us to meeting Alex, who came across very well, and we
mentally and physically overcame such a shocking injury and talked at length about him both on and off the field. This
came back even stronger. included his rather late development into rugby league, plus
During the last three years he has been the best prop forward in how he was combining his rugby league whilst studying at
Super League and one of the best in the world. It is no university to be a quantity surveyor. He impressed in all the
coincidence that the most successful three years in the history meetings we had with him.
of the Club have ensued during that period. He has literally led it Batley were great to deal with and we agreed a fee quickly
from the front. which included a friendly match against them in pre-season
He has also represented himself with distinction at international before the deal was made public in the September of 2012. The
level both for England and Great Britain. He is an absolutely key rest, as they say, is history.
component of the England pack and the level of his Alex has been great from the first day he walked into our Cowley
performances at the forthcoming World Cup will have a huge Training facility. He developed quicker than we ever thought
influence on England's ultimate level of success. and is now the best prop in Super League.
Just as importantly, Alex has been a team player and a club man It has been brilliant seeing his Dad as well as his partner Simone
to the core. He could undoubtedly have gone to the NRL and and his two boys Atticus and Cassius attend games and share in
been successful but has remained loyal and influential the success Alex has had on the field. He has a pretty impressive
throughout to the squad and the Club. We owe him both record too – winning every Grand Final he has played in! Let's
admiration and gratitude in equal measure. hope that stat continues!
He will go down as one of our all-time greats and be a true I have also enjoyed watching him develop into an England
legend of St Helens. However, I see many more successful international and representing Great Britain. He is a key player
years ahead for him at the Saints and further pieces of for his country and his form will play a big part in how England
silverware to add to his already envious collection. progress in the Rugby League World Cup later this year.
The Big Man has been phenomenal for us and will continue to Credit must go, not only to Alex himself for his development, but
be so. I would urge all fans and sponsors to support his to all Clubs involved in his development. From his community
testimonial year as best they can and in every way they can. He club, Dewsbury Celtic, to Leeds Met University, Batley and to the
deserves it and more. coaches here at St Helens.
Thank you Al and every success to you in your 2022 testimonial The sign of Alex's commitment and love for St Helens was
season at St Helens. emphasised in how quickly we got a deal done with him for his
latest long-term contract which was announced in March 2021
and will keep him here until at least the end of the 2024 season.
Naturally NRL clubs were circling and his commitment to sign
with us again is a real testament to him.
On behalf of the whole Club, I want to wish him and his family
well and I hope everyone gets behind him throughout his well-
deserved Testimonial Year in 2022.

PAGE 11

ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

Paul Heaton Dewsbury Celtic He started on the bench most weeks. pace with one of the fastest amateur
However, we used to have a big hit of players at the time over the full length of
I'm honoured to have been asked to the week, and in that first season it was the field!
write a piece for Alex's testimonial Alex who would pick that award up most
brochure. From my first involvement with times for some crunching tackle on the “He's got bad shoulders,“ I recall
Alex at Dewsbury Celtic RLFC, the fact opposition. another saying, and I hearkened back to
that I might be composing a write-up to one lad who was lying in a heap of
celebrate him playing ten years at St Over the next few seasons, gaining in inanimate matter on the halfway line,
Helens was not the first thing on my mind. confidence, Alex started to take training wondering what his thoughts were
Admittedly, and I know Alex would be the more seriously and got himself fitter and about Alex's shoulders. But his shot
first to admit this himself, when he was fitter, picking up international and team came, and the rest you probably know.
younger he wasn't in great shape and honours along the way. Near the end of
maybe to an outsider looked like your his time with us, I was having to blow the Later, having now turned professional,
typical big soft prop who is playing more whistle whenever we were doing team my role was purely watching as fan. To
for other people than for themselves. contact as hardly anyone could tackle see him mature into the best prop in the
However, I wasn't an outsider and I had him and even the ones who could were Super League over the last ten years has
already made the acquaintance of Alex's risking injury for the weekend's game. been amazing. And on the night when
older brother and his formidable mum. This is because, as John Kear once he won that first Grand Final, my wife, my
Knowing what I did about his mum and perfectly described: “His running style is son, and I celebrated in style with him
brother's steely determination, I knew akin to a load of scaffolding been shot after the game. I couldn't have been
not to judge a book by its cover and out of a cannon at you.” prouder!
dismiss Alex's chances of contributing to
a very good Under 18s team at Celtic. One little tale from his time at Celtic best It would be remiss of me to finish this
Pre-season got underway, and as demonstrates how far ahead of his piece without a mention of two of the
expected whenever we did any opponents he'd gone. We played a most remarkable people in Alex's story:
conditioning work Alex lagged behind by team from Doncaster in a winter his parents, John and Marceline. They
some considerable distance. But as we competition and were beating them brought up three kids who are all strong
continued through to the start of the quite heavily, and their half back insisted characters. That strength has plainly
campaign, the gap between him and the on kicking the ball deep to Alex after been passed down from their
second-to-last man was getting smaller each score, which caused mayhem and upbringing. As they say, the apple
every week. Alex didn't really standout in disbelief amongst his own teammates. doesn't fall for from the tree. Marceline
that first year as we had some very big Schoolboy error. The kicker had would regularly be sat in our living room
characters and a lot of skilful players forgotten his kicking tee, so after each late into the night asking how Alex had
including four Great Britain tourists. try I was taking our cone onto the field played that day (even though she knew
for the opposition restart. As I entered he'd been outstanding). John, as
John Kear once perfectly the field after another round of carnage, always, has been ever-present in
described, “His running I passed the cone to the kicker just as supporting all three in their respective
style is akin to a load of one of his forwards remarked: “Will you careers — although maybe not quite so
scaffolding been shot out stop kicking it to that mutant?” vocal in his praise (and condemnation)
of a cannon at you.” as their mum used to be.
By this time it was plain for everyone to
see that Alex was worthy of a shot at pro So, in closing, I would just like to say
level. But some of the reasons I heard congratulations to Alex on an amazing
from people in the pro game as to why achievement for reaching his
he couldn't make it bemused me. “He's testimonial season. From everyone at
not quick enough,” I'd heard the Dewsbury Celtic, we are all extremely
naysayers say. But I'd seen him keep proud to say you're one of us!

PAGE 12

ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

Garry Schofield tourist. Having returned from a John Kear
successful tour, Alex signed with Batley.
Thanks Alex, for asking myself to And then Saints saw what a quality player I am very proud and privileged to
contribute to your testimonial brochure. he was. have been asked to contribute to
It was 2010 when I first met Alex at trials Ten years now at Saints and he's been Alex's testimonial brochure so let
for BARLA Yorkshire. the best front rower in Super League. His me begin a number of years ago
Straight away he was the stand out player consistency in performance is 8 out of 10 when I was head coach at Batley
of those trials having been selected for with every match. He is also in the top five and a coach at Leeds Met
Yorkshire and performing brilliantly in the front rowers in world rugby league. University, Paul Fletcher rang me to
games against Lancashire and Yorkshire. The great thing about Alex is he does it say there was a player in their team
He was the first name on the list to be with confidence skill and with a big smile who opposition teams couldn't
selected for the BARLA under 19s tour of on his face with enjoyment. tackle and who he felt could handle
South Africa – playing a part in us winning You fully deserve this testimonial, enjoy Championship rugby.
all five games. mate and have a sensational 2022
Alex again was brilliant as a player and season, both on and off the pitch. After explaining how difficult this
Thanks The Legend Schoey standard of rugby is, Fletch was
absolutely insistent he was good
Paul Fletcher After the trial game between all the new enough so I promised I would go
players I looked at my head coach Paul watch him.
I first met Alex at the Leeds Met University Cook, who was Nathan Brown's assistant Wow, they couldn't handle the big
freshers fair where all students sign up at Huddersfield Giants, and said, ”How on fella and he was unstoppable so I
for their chosen sport. earth has he slipped through the followed it up further and had a look
professional net?” at him at his amateur club and when
I was aware of him due to his brother he played at his club it was a similar
Liam, who was at Wakefield Trinity, I spoke with some contacts, one of outcome, so we offered big Al a
mentioning that Alex would be coming. whom was Batley Bulldogs coach John chance at Batley and the rest as
Kear, who came to watch him, and he they say is history.
Alex cheekily asked me if there were any signed him up.
scholarships available to which I replied, I feel this little snippet shows that we
“Mate, you might not even get in my first Fast forward to the end of 2012, Alex was need different pathways into our
team!” one of Nathan Brown's first signings at game because Alex didn't do the
Saints. usual Scholarship into Academy
into First Grade but followed a very
Even though he is now one of the best different route but the one thing
front rowers in the world, humble Alex still that is common in all great players is
came to watch the Uni matches on a a sense of humility and hard work
Wednesday afternoon to support the and it is this that allowed Alex to
boys. progress from a big raw boned
player with great potential into one
Everyone at Leeds Met/Beckett, of the best prop forwards of the
especially the rugby league coaches and Super League era, if not the best.
players, wish Alex a bumper testimonial.
There is a saying which epitomises Alex: He is absolutely outstanding as a
“Mighty oak trees from acorns grow.” player as everyone who watches
Super League knows but what not
Best wishes and good luck everyone knows unless you know
Alex, is his qualities as a person and
Regards, Fletch his values which he applies to his
(Leeds Met Head coach) work, himself and his family.

Alex Walmsley is an absolute gem
of a player and a gem of a fella and I
am very proud to know him.

Good luck with your testimonial I
know it will be a great success, as
sometimes good guys get what
they deserve, and you deserve an
outstanding celebration of your
career.

PAGE 13



ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

Keiron Cunningham end with some good company of all the You can see now how confident Al is with
trophy winning Saints players around him. the ball in his hands – you now see him
EVERY time I watch Alex Walmsley play, He had that big cumbersome elbow passing to another front rower or putting
and the phenomenal way he carries the running style and Browny turned round Morgan Knowles into space. That is the
ball, it makes me think just how much I and said ‘Jeez Kez, he looks like he’s just fruit of your labour from the things that
would have loved to have played behind snatched a baby out of hospital and is nobody sees and the time and effort he
him. running off with it!’ has put into those subtle skills.
There are not many players who make me That’s were that nickname the Baby It has been good to see him grow and
say that. Snatcher came from. blossom – and if you chuck him into a
He absolutely shreds the opposing teams We had no ambitions of playing him as squad of players of such quality around
– particularly when he takes it in off the much in that season because he was him then you are going to get better.
back of what Mark Percival and Tommy going to be a project – but he blew But even after he had won his first Grand
Makinson have already done at the start everyone away. Final in 2014, he still had doubts in 2015.
of the set. He probably played too many games that For me Al was a phenomenal talent and
Big Al has come a long way since we first year and probably faded at the back the best front rower in the UK if not the
brought him over from Batley and has end, but he was knocking some numbers world, and he was playing alongside one
turned into one of the best front rowers in out that seasoned Super League of the best nines in the world.
the world – and yet he has remained really internationals were not hitting. The plan was to build the team around Al
humble and unassuming with it. From then he has gone from strength to and Robes.
The first time I saw Alex play at Batley, we strength and what a player Saints have 2015 was a landmark year for Al – he had
were actually looking at a different player, got. got to that age and was that good that
but he caught our eyes. He had that He worked exceptionally hard on any people were looking to him to be a bit of a
awkward running style – one that meant weaknesses in his game; whether that is leader. He was shortlisted for Man of
the defence knew whichever way they passing, catching or playing the ball. Steel that year.
tackled him it was going to hurt. It was You could see in pre-season that he was It was important for him to understand
either going to be an elbow or a knee that not comfortable with the ball in his hand. It how important he was to the side – not
was going to stick in them. was just the way he carried and just on the field but off it, too, and the way
Although Rushy, Browny and myself positioned the ball, things you learn at he trained and conducted himself.
knew Alex had come into the game late it Saints at scholarship level. Even after his serious neck injury in 2018,
was obvious he had some sort of He used to knock on because he was so a potential career-ending one, I am sure
pedigree. lacking in confidence holding the ball that he must have had some trepidation when
We had done our homework - he was a he used to put tubs of resin on his hands. he returned - but he never showed that
big, fit kid in the Saints mould; a good Most of the time he dropped the ball to any of us. He just does what he does
trainer and not a party boy. From day one I because it was probably stuck to his and just carries on putting his body on
knew he was going to do well – you could hands. the line every single week.
see it in his eyes when he came to a We had to convince him to have a bit He has turned into a natural leader at
world-renowned club like St Helens. more belief in his training and his own grip. Saints – but even back in his early days his
We used to do a 2k time trial – and Big Al We broke it down and drilled it – and once voice was loud for such a young head.
had never done it before so I said to him we convinced him not to put three tubs of That is one of the big attributes that has
don’t go out hard pace yourself. But he resin on his hands and believe in what he made him understand the game more.
did the opposite – he was out at the front was doing, then it came to fruition. He is a really smart, intelligent guy – and
his education in the game has come a
long way.
Al’s performances have not gone
unnoticed and he did get offers from the
NRL but he made a sacrifice to stay at the
club. It is testament to him and his family
around him that he did that. There is a lot
to be said for being comfortable and
enjoying the environment that you are in.
Look at what he has created at Saints and
what he has turned out to be – it is the
best decision he has made – even
though he is not going to get paid the
same in this country as he'd have got in
Australia.
It is good for us as a town and a rugby
league community to show our
appreciation for Al because he has
sacrificed a lot to stay at the club.
We are all aware of that – and the way he
plays – and that is not forgotten by myself
and all the other Saints supporters who
think of him so highly.

PAGE 15

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ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

Justin Holbrook me that he wanted to win more Super pleased for him to achieve this especially
League titles for St Helens and was after what he went through to get back to
It is a pleasure to be writing for Big Al's desperate to win the Challenge Cup. playing again.
testimonial brochure. The impact he has Alex dedicated his recovery to be back It has been an absolute pleasure
with St Helens is massive. late 2018 to win the Challenge Cup. His watching the team win three in a row and
I joined St Helens in mid-2017 and I had to return to training and dedication was first knowing the players and Alex they will be
make some changes as the club wasn't class, however the doctors wanted to be determined to have the run continue and
where it should be. more cautious and after several scans make it four.
The first change was off the field. The decided to make him wait for 2019. As I mentioned earlier, Alex is confident
boys had a ping-pong table and it was This not only was a big disappointment and, well, he fancies himself as a great
getting more attention and focus than the for Alex but was a huge blow to our goal kicker.
rugby was. season. After our training sessions he was always
I got it taken away and explained to the Although we got on with the season and attempting near impossible long range
boys who I had only known for three days won the League Leaders Shield, shots to show his worth. Unfortunately
that we needed to get better at rugby not ultimately, we came up short in both for me he does succeed more times than
ping-pong. Unless they planned on going competitions. not.
to the Olympics for it, then they shouldn't This proved to me the impact Alex had on I ended up capping him to two shots post
waste their time. our team and how important he was. training as he wouldn't ever be needed.
I then asked the playing group did Every team needs good halves, but Al got himself up to number three kicker,
anyone have any intentions of Alex's ability and presence was well so he used to tell me he was third
representing England for ping-pong. underlined by his absence in the 2018 best, and would be ready to take the
Big Al was the only player to raise his season. kicks in a game when needed.
hand and said he was very good at it, and I strongly believe if Alex played in those I can only imagine now that Lachlan
it is an option for him. I knew straight away big games we would have won them. Coote has moved on, Big Al will be asking
Al had a big personality and was Alex returned in 2019 and we dominated Woolfy if he can have the kicking duties
confident in his ability. the season, winning the Super League this year.
The back half of that year we really title with the most dominant season in the I hope you do Al, I will be watching round
improved as a team and Al was a big part history of the game. one closely to see if you get the kicking
of that. It was great to have big Al back, however tee.
2018 ended in huge disappointment for it took until 2021 for Alex to get his reward Congratulations on your testimonial year
us as a club getting beaten in both semi- and win the Challenge Cup for St Helens. Alex. I hope that you, Simone and your
finals of the Challenge Cup and also I remembered back to 2017 and was so family have a great year and St Helens
Super League, but it ended much earlier can keep filling the trophy cabinet.
for Alex.
After a great pre-season and a real
determination to better 2017, we came
out at the start of 2018 winning games by
big margins.
Unfortunately, after round 5 following a
great win over Warrington there was
huge concern for Alex. We thought he
came from the field with concussion,
scans revealed he had broken his neck.
Alex handled the situation and his
recovery as best as anyone could.
At the back end of 2017, Alex had
rejected a move to the NRL and stated to

PAGE 17



ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

Kristian Woolf player. He is very comfortable with that successful in the NRL and at different
and understands the presence that he times either have been targets or will be
First and foremost, Alex Walmsley is a has got in the group and his influence. in the future.
terrific person; one who is very smart, In the past two years he has really grown Being able to hold on to that quality is
intelligent on and off the field, and that in that role of not just being Al, one of our extremely important to our game and
really helps him. leaders in the middle, but one within the what the spectators want to watch. They
His ability to take in information, to learn whole team and he is starting to learn want to see your Al Walmsleys, Tommy
and look at things from an honest point of more and more how he can use his Makinsons, Jonny Lomaxs, Morgan
view when he receives feedback and use influence to help the team keep Knowleses, James Robys, Mark Percivals
that to better himself is a real strength of improving. and your Welsbys and Dodds. We need
his character. James Graham was invaluable to him in to hold on to them and keep finding ways
Alex has got a terrific presence in the that respect – a player who was to make sure we do.
group, and I always feel really exceptional for us in 2020. What made I have no doubt that Al would have been
comfortable when we are going into a James so good was the standard that he an exceptional player in the NRL – he has
game and he stands up and lays down set every single day and what he was that unique ability about him that is
the platform in terms of what he thinks we willing to put himself through to make different to any other front rower in the
need to do as a team. You know that sure he was on the field every week. world. That is what makes him so valuable
when he does that, he is putting the James and Al had a really close and good at what he does.
emphasis on himself to go out and relationship, on and off the field, and I can He has also got the work ethic,
deliver. see some things that Al has taken from toughness and real consistency that
As a player – the first word I would use to Jammer and that he is starting to have would be required of him in the NRL as
describe him is unique. You don't see too that influence and input himself. well and shown that in the competition
many guys who have that combination of Al has had opportunities to go to the NRL, here over a long period of time and at
build and height, and he is a player who is but it was really important for the club and international level.
able to move like he does and use their the game over here that we keep those If I go back to Tonga v Great Britain in
body to such an advantage. sorts of players. 2019, Alex and John Bateman were the
He has become such an awkward and If you look through the Saints squad two best forwards in the game for GB and
hard player to tackle. The real eye- there are a number of players – older and that is the presence he has at that level.
catching part of his game is the way he younger – who would have been really That is a good indicator of the presence
can carry and use his body to win the play he would have had in the NRL as well.
the ball, but he has also got a real physical
presence to his defence.
If you have a look at the games at the
back end of last year, where both he and
the team were at our best, you noticed
that Al really led our pack with his
physicality with and without the ball. That
is exactly what you need him to do, being
such an elite front rower, we needed him
to have that presence in his defence as
much he has it with the ball.
Skill wise he has developed a bit more of
a pass and an offload, and an ability to
use his skill more than he did two years
ago and is continuing to do that. And he
has bought into the work ethic – which his
body type makes difficult at times – but
that has helped make him a better player.
Another strength of his is that he is very
aware of who he is as a person and a

PAGE 19

THOMMO ROBES JAMMA

ZEBBA SIA

MORGAN WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

DREAM
TEAM

THEO JONNY

REGAN PERCY TOMMY MAK

COOTIE KEV

PAGE 20

ALEX WALMSLEY 10 YEARS A SAINT

WALMSLEY

DREAM TEAMTES2TI0M2ON2IAL
COOTIE Robinson. He has the ability to change a JAMMA
I think when Ben Barba left people game in the blink of an eye and the try The best thing I can say about Jamma is
thought we would struggle but I think against Hull in the CC semi final will long that when you pack down with him you
Lachlan was the final piece to our puzzle live in my memory. feel another foot taller. Brave, tough and
when he signed in 2019. A true leader selfless, whether at international or in his
and complete full back. JONNY last year at St Helens sharing the pitch
The ultimate half back. Despite his injuries with James Graham have been some of
TOMMY MAK Jonny has arguably been the best player my most favourite times in the game.
Without a doubt the best winger in Super in Super League these last few years.
League if not the world. His go forward When it comes to creating space and SIA
and finishing is second to none. You putting someone through a gap there's I don't think I've ever seen someone run
often see a queue of people wanting to simply no one better in the game. or tackle as hard as Sia. In defence there
carry the ball after Tommy as 9/10 it's a was often a pile of destruction following a
fast one! THEO Sia Soliola tackle. Myself and my ribs are
The tough little Frenchie!! The fact he can extremely grateful I played alongside and
PERCY understand my thick Yorkshire accent is not against him.
There are things what Percy does that are enough to be in my top 13. Someone
extraordinary and leaving us all who played and hit well above his weight ZEBBA
perplexed as to how he does it, and if but backed up his toughness with huge Although when Zeb came to Saints he
truth be told I don't think he knows amounts of ability and talent. was at the back end of his career he still
himself. One of a kind, freak of nature had plenty in his locker. His ability to
who on his day is unplayable. THOMMO offload and play such an attractive style
One his day he's the best front rower in of rugby caused defences endless
KEV the world. When it comes to speed, amounts of problem. A creator and
Strong, fast and a superb skill set. I don't strength, fitness and skill I don't think scorer of so many memorable tries.
think there was any coincidence when there's anyone in his position who could
Kev filled the void in the right centre our match him. MORGAN KNOWLES
successes started coming. A selfless If he's not already he's definitely on his
person who was just as big off the pitch ROBES way to becoming one of the best Loose
as he was on it. Quite simply the GOAT. There hasn't Forwards in the world. I've never known
been another player who has someone play with such intensity for so
REGAN consistently performed at such a high long in a game. A future Saints and
A walking showcase reel. I think when it level for so many years. I'm lucky to have England captain.
comes to scoring the most spectacular played in the times of James Roby and at
tries in Super League Regan is probably 36 he still doesn't look like he's slowing.
up there with Martin Offiah and Jason

Honourable mentions also to these players
who did not make the selected XIII...

JACK WELSBY PAUL WELLENS BEN BARBA
Had I been doing this testimonial in I only played with Wello for a couple of Some of the stuff Ben could do on the
another couple of years I think Jack years at the end of his career but I field left us all in awe. In the 18 months
would without a doubt have made my always admired him greatly. What I that he was here we were truly treated
best team. Very rarely does a kid come loved about him was that he was no to some spectacular tries. Individually
on to the scene and take you back like longer the starting full back and often one of the most talented and gifted
Jack does. Technically and physically came off the bench and provided cover players I have ever seen.
one of the best I've seen and if he isn't everywhere (often at prop) but he did so
already a St Helens legend after the with such a mentality of team first. The
2020 Grand Final he no doubt will sight of him collapsing beating his chest
become one. in front of the Wigan fans after the 2014
Grand Final will never be forgotten.

PAGE 21



Congratulations to Alex on his Testimonial Year.
Neil and Lesley

Transporting Fresh & Frozen Fish with our Refrigerated Freight Service.
Tel: 07506 683470 Email: [email protected]

ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

“Saints could have put a dirty napkin in

front of me and I would have signed it.”

When Saints paid a transfer fee to sign would do well to play four games that “I played until April - always on the bench
Alex Walmsley he was viewed as a season, but front row injuries to Josh - and when we played Wigan on Good
project and the initial plan was to loan him Perry and Paul Clough gave him an Friday Nathan Brown picked me ahead of
back to Batley Bulldogs to continue his opportunity he seized. He would play 26 Josh Perry and that is when I thought, 'I
development until he was Super League- times in the red vee in that 2013 season. can make a career out of this'.
ready. “I played in the third game of the 2013 “I knew I wasn't guaranteed a place, but
But there was definitely excitement on season against Hull FC. Although I felt confident in getting picked despite
the club's part that here was a player knocked on three times playing the ball I being so raw.
who would be nailing down a spot in the think I showed my potential. “I had a great game in that Good Friday
pack in maybe two to four years' time. “I only ended up playing twice for Batley game and that's when I first thought I really
For Alex, financially, the deal was worse on dual reg, and was in the Saints team can make it as a Super League player.
than what he had been offered to stay then. “My first derby was amazing. 15 months
part-time – but nevertheless the lure of “I was always expected to drop back prior to that I had been playing in front of
Saints was enough. down when players came back from 150 people at Dewsbury Celtic. From that
Alex said: “Saints could have put a dirty injury and was always waiting for the tap being my norm to running out in front of
napkin in front of me and I would have on the shoulder to say 'so and so is back 24,000 at the most famous derby in the
signed it. now'. game was something I was most proud of
“I didn't have an agent, I had just come – but it was surreal,” Alex said.
to the ground and walked around the There was something else that Alex had to
new stadium and Cowley training give up on signing for Saints – namely his
ground. support for Super League rivals Leeds
“I thought to myself, 'I want this now'. Rhinos that he had since that early school
“It was something I had put off for so visit from Francis Cummins.
long as not feasible, so I was not going But he soon adjusted to his new loyalties.
to waste this opportunity. He explained: “At the start of that pre-
“Other clubs were interested, my age season I had been a Leeds Rhinos season
put a lot off because I was 22, but Saints ticket holder and walked in a dressing
were the first to take me down and show room with Paul Wellens and James Roby –
me around and that was it. Didn't speak people, when it comes to rugby, who
to anyone else. were the enemy in my eyes.
“I had been spotted because Mike Rush “Kez was Saints assistant coach then –
was watching ex-Saints prop Gaz someone who I had watched tear it up
Frodsham who had just signed for against Leeds on so many occasions.
Batley and was playing in that opening “I had even been at Old Trafford cheering
game against Leigh. Leeds to a couple of those Grand Final
“They kept tabs on me after that and I wins.”
like to think it has been a great deal for In terms of on-field pack mentors in those
us both.” early days Alex singles out Sia Soliola,
At the time of signing he was told he Tony Puletua and Louie McCarthy-
Scarsbrook as figures who guided him as
he made his way in taking this big step up.
But he credits assistant coach Keiron

PAGE 24

ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

Cunningham with helping him develop “For a lot of us it was our first win, but for “It didn't feel right at the time and I
and improve in that first year. the likes of Paul Wellens and James thought I'd be going for the wrong
“I used to do a lot with Kez. Roby who had endured five defeats in a reasons, a lot of it financially driven.
“He would have me playing the ball with row there was a real sense of relief of “There were other things to take into
him for 10 minutes after every session, getting that monkey off their backs.” account; I lost my mum in 2013 and my
and had me catching the ball under The depleted Saints had earlier limped dad is very heavily disabled. My rugby is a
pressure because it is no secret there towards the League Leaders Shield – big part of his life.
were a lot of errors in my game. but defeats at home to Warrington and “Kez was also a big part of it. Although for
“That is because I had not gone through then at Huddersfield looked like they him it didn't work out for him as a coach,
the same scholarship as those who had were going to let that one slip away. for me personally he was arguably the
come through the Academy.” Alex recalls the defeat at Huddersfield: “I most influential professional coach I have
Within two years Alex was running got sent off against Giants for a high had because he gave me that
around Old Trafford with his first Grand tackle on Luke Robinson. I had only confidence to go on in 2015.
Final ring after beating Wigan 14-6 in the been on the pitch for 90 seconds. It “It was arguably my best year and I went
enthralling 2014 Grand Final. could have cost us the League Leaders on to be nominated for Man of Steel and
Saints had finished top that year, but had so I was so relieved when Catalans beat that offer came from NZ Warriors which
been ravaged by injuries at the tail end of Cas because I thought it was me who triggered the clause.
the season and were not expected to had lost it for us. “I was just starting to build something
win. “That was a tough few days.” here and I felt I needed to earn a few
But tries from Tommy Makinson and Sia Changes were in the air after that, with more stripes and repay the club.
Soliola delivered the club's first title since Nathan Brown returning to Australia and “They had changed my life from the
2006 against a Wigan side who had had Keiron Cunningham taking the head tangent I was going off on, so I owed it to
prop Ben Flower sent off in the opening coach's reins. the club to stay.”
minutes. Initially Alex had doubts going into that But injuries and form made 2016 a
“It was a tough year and that team at the 2015 season, but it turned out into a struggle at Saints for Alex, and the big
end was held together by Sellotape if you strong one for himself which saw him prop required three operations – two
look at the injuries we had. nominated for the Steve Prescott Man of ankle reconstructions and a shoulder
“People talk about the Ben Flower Steel. recon. His form and fitness suffered off
incident – but we had one half back in He said: “After that Grand Final I had to the back of that in what was a tough year
that game and Lance was knocked out in have hip surgery and was out for the full at Saints.
the first minute, that is always pre-season. Changes were afoot, and by Easter 2017
understated. “We had a few props here Louie, Greg Cunningham was gone and was
“We had such a makeshift team so to go Richards, Kyle, Mose, Tommo and we eventually replaced by new Australian
on and win it was special. had signed Richie Beaumont and coach Justin Holbrook.
“There were only 17 lads and a few thought I could end up down the It was also a year in which Alex's form was
coaches who had that real belief that we pecking order here. back up to his best in what was a big year
could go on and win it. “Kez came to me in the gym and said, – which triggered the NRL offers once
“That year taught me that you need a 'get yourself right for the start of the year again.
toughness, grit and determination to find – you are going to be my starting prop He explained: “In 2017 I was back to my
a way to win. We had lost influential and I am building my pack around you best again – Justo had come in, I had
players like Jonny Lomax, Jon Wilkin and and Robes'. gone on to a World Cup and all the offers
Luke Walsh. “Under Browny I had largely come off the came in again.
“It was a big learning curve for me bench so to this was a step up again.” “Justo got involved; he could see the club
because that team found a way to win With those towering performances Alex was transitioning and I reckon if that
when we probably had no right to. found his name on the radar of NRL opportunity had come in 2016 I probably
“It was such a surreal moment going out clubs but he explains what happened would have gone because I was not
at Old Trafford for the first time – and the and why he spurned those offers. particularly happy but some of that was
hairs were stood up on the back of my “Loyalty is a big part of it,” he said. down to how the team and myself were
neck. It was only two-and-a-half years “In 2015 New Zealand Warriors performing.
earlier I was playing at Crow's Nest park triggered my transfer clause and
at Dewsbury Celtic – and now I was here offered me a contract to go over to the
in front of 70,000. NRL.

PAGE 25



ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

“But in 2017, with me breaking into international team at last, I hosts Australia at Brisbane where a converted Boyd Cordner try
was tempted by the offers and I was close. was the only thing that separated the sides.
“We had just had Atticus and that played a part in it. Alex said: “We had such an unbelievable tournament; to play
“Simone's mum always thought that I was gone and I would take alongside Sam Burgess and Jammer and even the likes of Sean
her daughter and her grandson 12,000 miles away. O'Loughlin was a great experience.
“It came to a point where financially I would have been better off “James Roby and Jonny Lomax were there from Saints – it was
going but when it came to it I wanted to show the loyalty I had unreal.
shown all my life “I was lucky to play in the final and was an ankle tap away from
“I will always carry that shadow of never testing myself there in winning the game in my opinion.
the NRL, but for me what we have gone on to achieve this last “We had turned the tide – Kal (Watkins) goes through there on
three years all the money in the world can't replace that. the inside and gives it to Elliot (Whitehead) and he goes under
“I was happy at Saints, with Justo and the way the team was the sticks and we are in the ascendancy with 10 to go.
building and could see that there was change coming and Justo “It just goes to show the small margins. I will never forget the
was a driver for that. relief on the Australians' faces - they were well and truly the
“I thought why risk my happiness to go over there and in the end favourites, but we pushed them so close.
it came down to putting a value on my happiness. “It is something I was so proud of so hopefully we will get
“I love the club, everything about it, the fans and I thought what another stab at it.”
will a few more pounds achieve, if I went over and didn't enjoy
my rugby and my life.”
The 2017 World Cup in Australia had been a huge incentive for
Alex after missing out on previous international call-ups, with
injury often cropping up at inconvenient times.
He had even travelled to Sydney for a mid-season international
against Samoa in May 2017 – but was non-playing reserve.
However, his form and attitude impressed coach Wayne
Bennett – a coach for whom Alex held in high regard.
And England were building towards something special in time
for the showpiece tournament.
Alex missed the first group game against Australia through
cellulitis – but played in the remaining games up to and including
the final – scoring a try in the quarter finals against Papua New
Guinea.
After beating Tonga in a memorable semi-final, England faced

PAGE 27

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in the game! He obviously watched many videos of Ewan Dowes and modelled his

game on this once in a lifetime legend!"

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SJP11770 V1 (09/20)

20 SIGNING - Having my parents who had sacrificed so much for
12 me come down and be there when I signed for St Helens
meant the world to me. I lost my mum 12 months later but
seeing how proud she was that day is something I will always
cherish.

10 YEARS AWALMSLEY 20 DEBUT/GOOD FRIDAY - I never expected to find myself playing
TES2TI0M2ON2IAL 13 in the team so early on in my St Helens career but the game
what always stands out the most for me was my first Good
SAINT Friday game. Being selected for that game was the first time It
made me genuinely feel I had what it takes to make it as a Saints
player.

20 DREAM TEAM/MOS NOMINATION - I think this was the year I
15 really started to show the player I could be. Until then I spent
most of my time coming off the bench but to start to help lead
the pack and be a starting prop. The Dream Team entry and
Man of Steel nomination was such a humbling end to a year
where I felt i had grown so much as a player.

20 GRAND FINAL - The final will always be remembered for the 20 SYDNEY ROOSTERS - WCC2016 was probably my toughest of
14 Ben Flower incident but for me it was my first taste of 16 years on the field after a really good year in 2015. I’d come off
silverware and that moment of walking out to the roar of the back of an off-season having 2 ankle repairs and a shoulder
75,000 people will live with me forever. repair and I struggled all year with fitness. The Sydney match
summed up the year for me, totally outclassed by the Aussies
but one it did ignite was my desire to one day hopefully beat our
Southern Hemisphere counterparts.

20 ENGLAND DEBUT WORLD CUP FINAL - After eluding me for so
17 long and missing out because of injuries to finally make my
England debut was one of the proudest moments of my life.
Playing in the World Cup final, despite losing, was pretty special
too!

20 NECK BREAK - A year what most people would think I would
18 want to forget but for me breaking my neck gave me a year of
perspective and appreciation for the real things in life. The
support of my loved ones, family, friends and of course my
new born son Atticus to help me through some really tough
times was enough for me to realise how fortunate I was.

20 WIGAN COMEBACK - A year to remember for so many reasons; 20 JACK WELSBY MOMENT (watching with hands on head) -
19 My first challenge cup final, Winning the double and playing for 20 The craziest end to the craziest of years. Watching Jack
Great Britain, but for me the feeling of relief in the changing rooms Welsby write himself into St Helens folklore and Rugby
after the game in my comeback against Wigan I'll never forget. I League history after a year of so many challenges. My
was just so happy to be back. favourite moment on a rugby pitch bar none was seeing that
try given after what felt like hours.

20 CHALLENGE CUP - Although completing the 3 peat at Old Trafford and writing ourselves
21 into history was an incredible moment, to finally lift the Challenge Cup was special. It was
always the one that seemed to get away so to finally have our hands on it was an incredible
moment.



ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

Kevin Naiqama Leesy and Morgs - that is the leadership about the club, but the club are really
he provides. good in their dealings on and off the
I did not know Alex until I took the field field.
with him, but the last three years he has If you see how hard he works off the ball
been one the best, if not the best as well, much of that goes Alex is a big part of the club's success in
forward, in Super League. unrecognised. recent years.

When I first came to the club three years Since Woolfy came in it is an element he He is not simply a good footballer, but
ago, Alex had suffered a severe neck has added to our game, not only as a he's a great mate of mine - someone I
injury the year before I arrived. His first team but individually as players. have really connected with and forged a
game back after that injury was my Saints friendship with on this side of the world.
debut. After being out for such a long He has taken that defence on even more
time and coming into a Round 1 game - and having that presence, given the big It has been great getting to know him, his
not any old game, but a derby against human that he is, in the middle provides family and taking the field with him.
Wigan, Alex did not look out of place at all. something extra.
He showed a lot of resilience to fight his
way back from an injury such as that and He can move for a big fella. He may not
it shows in his character. That doesn't just have the best running technique but we
happen - it is the way you live your life, not will still give it to him.
just his football career but his life in
general. You have to be disciplined with Teams try to stop him and slow him
what you do off the field to give yourself down, but he is constantly working on
the best opportunity to get back and he his game and finding ways to find quick
showed that too. play the balls and ways to continue
providing the team go-forward.
Al is up there as the top metre-eater in
terms of what he makes for us, and that is Having played in both competitions,
massive. It helps us as a team, getting us here and in Australia, I know Al would
out of trouble, but the halves appreciate have not just fitted in in the NRL he would
him more because it gives them have had a presence to compete with
momentum to play off. the best in the NRL.

He also provides experience and the For him to stay faithful to Saints is a great
young forwards will be picking his brains, tribute for him but also St Helens. That
shows not only that he is passionate

Adam Swift

Big Al, startled giraffe, sorry I mean Alex...
Here it is, the year you've always longed
for- everything being about you, you and
more you...
No in all serious my mate, it deserves to
be about you. Seven years playing at
Saints together, winning the 2014 Grand
Final together and both back then and
still now there is no doubt in my mind of
how unbelievable a player you are. A key
part in Saints' victories and a more than
worthy England International. A wrecking
ball is an understatement.
Not only that, but off the field you've
always been a good mate and still are
today.
Quality nights out and in, our families
being friends, crap music taste I have to
say but 'full time good guy' as your Twitter
self-awards!
Looking forward to the future I know that
you'll keep doing what you do. My wishes
for you are to just keep smashing it in the
rugby world, health and happiness for
you and your family and maybe a hair
transplant.
Enjoy this year mate- you deserve it.

PAGE 33



ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

Jordan Turner James Graham

It's a pleasure to call Al one of my close friends. When I think of big Al, I can't help but smile. I've been very
fortunate to share the field and partner him in the front row for
I have watched and been a part of his journey since 2012, club and country.
sharing some great moments with him on the pitch with plenty
of ups and downs. But rugby ability aside he really is a smart, intelligent individual,
who everyone loves to spend time with. Whether it is political
In the four years we were teammates, winning the Grand Final in debate or a game of 'would you rather' Al's insight are almost
2014 is the obvious highlight but the reason we have remained always guaranteed to make you laugh! It is genuinely hard to
close since I left Saints is due to the bond off the pitch. figure out if he's being serious or not but that's all part of the fun
with him.
Mad Mondays, trips away and nights out bring back fond
memories. My first memory of big Al is watching him play for Saints in 2013
Seeing him get run over by a taxi in Magaluf is something that will and thinking Saints could be on to something here. He had the
stick with me forever. raw ingredients for a great front rower, but just needed a bit of
work. Flash forward nine years and I think we are looking at the
Those days are gone (for now). Times have changed and both best forward in the world. This is all down to Al's dedication and
of our partners and kids share a close-knit bond. commitment to improving himself.
I may be biased but, in my opinion, he can be talked about in the
same breath as the best props in the modern era. I think the first time we met was a one-off test match against
Samoa in Sydney. I remember training with him and being
His unique skillset that not many, if any, have ever possessed is a almost impossible to tackle. It wasn't long before he was
big reason as to why Saints have been so successful in recent showcasing that ability in an England shirt.
years and its clear to see he's still got plenty of years left.
There's a photo of big Al and I leaving Mount Smart stadium after
To stay at St Helens for 10 years is incredible and his testimonial the 2017 World Cup semi-final which sums up how we felt
is richly deserved. playing together.

I'm sure everyone will get behind him. I thought the days of partnering Al were over, but we managed
to partner up again for most games in the famous 2020 season.
He was the first person I encountered after the 'Welsby' try.
Another photo that I love!

Congratulations on the testimonial and career so far mate. I look
forward to watching you dominate for club and country and
doing your fingers in the air dance after a try!

PAGE 35

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ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

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Chris Hill him for maybe trying to preserve himself reassured me that everything was going
a bit more but he still rips and tears and to be fine!
Big Al! Firstly just want to say massive throws his body in fearlessly. I feel he's an Since his first season at Saints, he's
congratulations to big Al on his even better player now post injury and in continued to improve year after year. He
testimonial thoroughly deserved I put it the best form of his career. broke his neck in 2018 and even that
down to me nursing him back to health in One of the good guys off the field I wish didn't affect him, he just came back even
2017 WC :) you all the best for your testimonial pal. better. This is testament to his character,
Me and Al always got on from the first day work ethic and professionalism. He is
we met we had the same understanding Luke Thompson brave and a leader, I knew he would
as we came through the same pathway always have my back on the field. That's
with championship so we had an instant My mate Big Al. why I loved playing alongside him.
connection and became good friends. The first time I met Alex was back in 2013. As I matured in my career, Al and I
Al is the player you hate playing against He signed from Batley and I had just developed quite a partnership in the
but I loved lining up with him at come up from the academy. We were middle and I think we both
international level as you knew could stood around the pool table at Cowley complemented each other's game very
always depend on him both on and off and it was our first year with the Saints well. Some of my greatest memories and
the field. first team. achievements have been at the side of
Hope the year goes well mate catch up I've always looked up to Big Al…literally. Big Al. A few of these are the 2019 Grand
soon, Hilly. He's a beast and when he started to play, final win and representing our country
even though his hands were stuck on together. He is easily the best front rower
backwards, you could see how good he I've played with and it's been a privilege
was and the potential he had. He is to be apart of your journey up to now.
someone I would always follow. Hopefully we will share the field again
I'll never forget my debut at London soon!
away, me and Al were roomies and as a If anyone deserves a testimonial, it's Alex.
17 year old kid I was shitting it. I kept him He is an absolute credit to St Helens and
up all night asking questions about how it has given so much to the club and fans
was going to go and he continuously over the years. I hope everyone will get
behind him and show him the love and
support he deserves.
All the best mate.

Adrian Morley

I first come across Alex when I was at
Warrington and he had just signed for
Saints, my initial reaction was "look at the
size of that bastard!" But I thought not to
worry, lads that big hardly ever use their
size like they should, the bigger they are
the harder they fall and all that. I couldn't
have been more wrong! He used every
inch of his massive frame to inflict as
much damage as he could both with and
without the ball.
Over the following years he developed
into one of the best front rowers in the
world. A serious neck injury could have
finished his career a few years ago, I was
delighted for him when he returned to
the sport and you could have forgiven

PAGE 37

ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

Danny Maun Jamie Peacock Al had changed for the better; he still ran
consistently into the line as if his hair was
Firstly, it's an absolute honour to be asked It is a great pleasure to be asked to write a on fire. There is no technique that I know
to write a piece in Alex's testimonial piece on Al for the brochure his of to tackle Al - I worked out you just have
brochure although he messaged me upcoming testimonial. to hit him as hard as you can with
saying, “mate I need a favour but can you Al is the best player in Super League in everything you have got and realise
spell?” the easiest rugby league position to some you will win and some you will lose!
I first came across Alex when I saw him as explain but the hardest to play and one But now he was a defender as well!
a skinny 15-year-old playing for that very few are able to truly master. Starting to lead the line up from the inside
Dewsbury Celtic and the first thing that When I first saw him I thought, 'wow this and hurting people with his tackling.
struck me was his size. He was absolutely guy can carry the ball hard and is a This was six years ago - now as I watch Al
massive. handful'. in 2021 his improvements have
It soon became apparent in the next few I loved how he ran the ball - he wanted to continued to the point now that he is the
years this raw kid was getting better and hurt people and had zero respect for his best prop in Super League, the best
better, scoring ridiculous long-range tries own safety. You don't find many players English prop - a master of his profession.
and absolutely destroying people in who are prepared to do that. And I think the greatest compliment I can
defence as he progressed into the open I think that is what will have caught Mike give is that I think Al is now a talisman for
age. Rush’s ever watchful eyes as he watched this current incredible Saints team.
I was playing at Batley and would often tell him at Batley whilst peeling an orange in A player who inspires his teammates
the board and coaches about local talent his pocket. through his high standards of
who could possibly make the grade and it Later when I played against him I can performance both with and without the
wasn't long before John Kear brought Alex honestly say I found him one of the most ball and with a willingness to set the
to the club. difficult players I have ever had to tackle. standard physically.
He was very raw and still had lots to learn Awful. A player that the opposition know that if
but that's what set him apart: his But I also thought when I watched Al - he you want to beat Saints well you need to
willingness to learn and make sacrifices to does know that you also have to defend beat Al first and then maybe just maybe,
get to the level he needed to be at. as well? you might have a chance.
We often trained together in pre-season in Then to see Al progress and improve and Only the great players manage to master
the gym and you could see him work harder to the point in 2015, my last their position and become a talisman.
developing at a rapid rate. year, I regarded him as the toughest, And Al has achieved both, all from very
His performances were outstanding but most challenging player in my position I humble beginnings.
after one game I remember thinking to would have to 'front up' against in the Enjoy the testimonial – very, very well
myself this kid has arrived and Super battle to physically win the game. deserved.
League beckons.
We played Halifax away and Alex came off
the bench and absolutely wiped out Makali
Aizue and then went on to score one of
the best tries I've seen from a front rower.
Saints came in and I was so proud of Alex
in making the move. What he has gone on
to achieve is quite remarkable.
I'm proud to say I played in the same team
as Alex Walmsley.
One thing I admire about Alex is how
humble he is and a great friend who
always makes time for everyone.
I hope you have a great testimonial and get
that engagement ring you keep telling me
about.

PAGE 38

ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

Terry O'Connor As a player he has been massive for Shaun Wane
Saints' success - and he just keeps
Alex Walmsley is one of those prop getting better. He just saps the When I got a message off Al to ask if I
forwards that I would have loved to have opposition's energy and is good for would write a few words for his
partnered up with when I was playing - about 26 carries a game. He is one of the testimonial brochure I cannot tell you tell
but unfortunately for me on the best props in the world and I don't say how honoured I was.
international stage I was lumbered with that lightly. Many years ago, I was sent clips of Alex
someone stumpier, shorter and fatter! Saints have outside backs who return the playing for Batley, I honestly just couldn't
Alex is a tremendous, big, inspirational ball with interest, but then the opposition see how he would fit into my team.
player, but the reason I like him is that he know they have to deal with Al on that I can't tell how many times I've mentioned
is pretty humble as a bloke too and play four and contending with a bloke to my staff about me dropping the
maybe that is because of how he has who is 6ft 5 and 115 kilos who can run. biggest bollock ever by not going for him.
come through the system and how he You can't even lock his legs together Saints got him and turned him into a
has been given a chance. because of the length of his stride. world class player. Absolutely gutted.
He never went through a scholarship or There are parts of his game that he has I have watched him and coached against
an academy but has done it the hard improved - especially his passing. Big Alex many times, he is everything I love in
way, and as such is one of those people blokes don't tend to learn how to pass a front rower, tough, aggressive and has
you have the utmost respect for - you because they have so much joy with their that competitive spirit. That need to win at
always want people like that to succeed. carry. And years ago I described Alex's all costs, no matter what.
When he got an opportunity at Batley passing style as looking like someone The games he played with an obvious
everyone started hearing about this lad who had two scaffold tubes tied to each knee problem at the end of the 2020
who was as big as a giraffe, who maybe arm as he passes the ball. season for Saints tells you everything you
did not have the co-ordination, but that is However, you can see the subtleties in need to know about Big Al, an absolute
what made him so dangerous. his game now. As well as monstering warrior of a bloke who always puts the
He was all elbows and knees and had people in defence and attack, he has got team first.
that willingness to win - you could see a pass in his game now which makes him I have finally coached him and I can say in
that straight from the start. even harder to deal with because you all honesty he is a credit to his club and
Big Al gives off real hope that there is still a don't know whether he is going to run his family.
pathway there for the late developers, over the top of you, offload in the tackle I love players who have a switch to have
lads who have not come through the or tip on the ball beforehand. that nasty win at all costs attitude in the
academy or scholarship system, and for He came back from that horrendous game but as soon as that whistle goes to
whatever reason have not been picked neck injury strongly, but again when finish the game, he then turns back into
up by the scouts, academy coaches or something could be taken away from you that really good bloke we all love to be
heads of youth at 14 or 16. probably respect it more. Having never with.
had it as a kid, and having worked so hard THAT IS ALEX WALMSLEY
to get it, he clearly didn't want to lose it. Best of luck pal, Waney
There was a chance after that injury that
this could have been it, but he worked
hard to make sure all his prep was right to
give himself the best chance of coming
back and I genuinely think he has come
back a better player. His improvement
has been massive over the past few
years - and would not hesitate in putting
up against the so-called best in the NRL.
I have probably got a soft spot for Al
because he has done it tough, done it
the hard way and battled adversity with
injury.
When Saints signed him, Alex Walmsley
was a project - but I don't think the club
will have remotely thought that they
would have got out of Alex what they
have in the last nine years.
He has been brilliant and is the reason
clubs have started to look in the
championship for the next Alex Walmsley
or Zak Hardaker.
I have so much respect for what he does
on the field but also off it. He is a pretty
humble guy and in my world that means
more than anything - you can be one of
the best in the world but still have time for
everybody.

PAGE 39

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ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

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Tommy Makinson He was soon a mainstay of the team and In the game you want to
we both ended up winning the Grand follow what he says
Big Al has always been – and always will Final together in 2014 which was extra
be - someone you can turn to for special because when he speaks I
support. He just always has that calming When Al suffered his neck injury in 2018, listen and it makes you buy
voice, and although is respectful he will we didn't really know what Al was going
tell you how it is. through until he came back playing. I sort into what this team is. We
That is why I have always had a good of shrugged at first and thought it was Big all love playing with him.
relationship with him – he has always Al, he's one of the best, he's going to be
looked after me by just being Big Al, that fine and come back sweet and that will Being close to Al, I know he has had
honest, mature bloke there for you, a be that. opportunities to go elsewhere – but
really nice fella who has never changed. It is only when you realise what he went similar to myself – he loves it at St Helens.
In fact, all that has changed is his ability to through that it was not like a run of the mill He enjoys the group we have got and is a
play and improve year-on-year and now broken arm or ankle, it was one that can real family man as well and loves them
he sits as probably one of the best props really knock you back, hit your confidence dearly. That is number one for Al and
in the world. and stop you from playing. There have everything he does is for them.
I had been at the club two years before been incidences where players have had He also has a lot of respect for the boys
we signed this big bloke from Batley. We to stop playing – and worse. and staff around him and that showed
were all surprised how big and He had good people around him when he signed that deal at Saints. If you
destructive he could be, but just like us recovering, but down the line you realise look at the last three or four years we
all, there were bits of his game that he it still took some doing to come back the have had I would like to think we have all
could improve. We were excited to see way he has. Not only has he produced bought into that and made it extra
him play, with the devastation he caused the quality of rugby he was before, he has special. It has proved a good decision in
in opposing defences. taken it to the level above. That is the end.
I thought he would be one hell of a player, testament to Al and the people around Big Al knows that he is a lucky man
but wow, I don't think anyone thought him who have helped. playing for St Helens – like we all do. It is
this bloke could end up being probably This year it is important to recognise Al the best town for getting behind our own.
the best prop in the world. That is and what he brings to our team. Big Al, like me, is an adopted St Helens
certainly what he has turned into. He's a massive part of the team, a key man after giving 10 years' service to an
Once Al got his opportunity in 2013 he member and a leader both on and off the amazing club.
surprised everyone with how destructive field. In the game you want to follow what Not only is he a great friend, great player,
he was and how good a player he already he says because when he speaks I listen great father and family man, he is a great
was and he was improving rapidly. and it makes you buy into what this team bloke around the lads and we all love him
is. We all love playing with him. and the fans do too.

PAGE 41

ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

Louis McCarthy To play on after an injury like that, which Mark Percival
Scarisbrook could have ruined a lot of careers,
showed what he is made of. What he put Let me say, straight away, that Alex
I had been here at Saints a couple of into his rehab in looking after himself, and Walmsley is one of the top front-rowers
years when Big Al joined and straight when he came back he was like a whole on the world stage, no question about it.
away felt his impact. He was this big, tall, new signing. It is a credit to him and the He rarely, if ever, has a bad game and has
horrible bony thing that was a nightmare people around him who have looked been a big part in the team's success,
to try and tackle and wrestle with at after him - and his family. especially over the past three years: stuff
training. you could only dream about! His carries
He skittles people for fun and runs are so important to the team's success. I
He had a few rough edges but from through them. As soon as he strides on think he is at his very peak now, but he
those early days, Al has turned into one to the field you can tell he's a different has worked so hard since he came from
of the best props in the world. class, he's horrible to train against so I Batley to achieve such high standards.
can't imagine what it's like playing against He is so self-motivated to try and improve
We props have a few things in common - him. It is unbelievable what he does, the various aspects of his game and has
not least what we have won. There is a week-in, week out - so I am glad he is on great belief in his own ability
motley crew of us props who have now our side. I remember when we won at Old Trafford
won four Grand Finals together - that's in 2014 we gave each other a hug at the
me, Marra and Al. Platty takes the same end because we had both been through
picture really, but with another ring and our share of adversity at the time. We
we are all just a bit older. have also had injuries to overcome, with
Alex having that neck injury that he did so
Al has shown his mettle here at Saints - well to come back from and is such a
especially when he suffered that broken testament to his mental and physical
neck. strength. Very often we in the
threequarters are the first guys to take it
I remember him getting taken off and the up in a set of six and then it's Alex's turn to
next day he was in training and on the do his destructive stuff to the opposition.
bike saying, 'My neck is killing me.' And I After that he produces a quick play-the-
joked back saying, “Just because you got ball which extends the defenders even
flattened by a winger don't worry about further. He can score tries too.
it”. We both came into the first team at
around the same time and it's been quite
Next thing he is lying in hospital and told a journey, especially with the
not to move or he could end up 'Threepeats' and Alex's contribution has
paralysing himself. been massive. Although Luke Thompson
left us, there was James Graham to come
It does take resolve and that is what he in and I know Alex benefitted massively
has got an abundance of, but he had that from having him in the team in 2020. All
to come from the Championship and the players are close at Saints and off the
play in the Super League, too. field Alex is a really friendly, genuine sort
of guy and popular with everyone at the
club. He's also a clever lad with his
university background which will put him
in good stead for when he finishes his
playing career. He's got a few years left in
him, for sure and it would be great if we
could both represent England in the
World Cup in 2022!

PAGE 42

ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

James Roby Everyone's slightly different in their Jonny Lomax
particular attributes, but as far as I'm
I see the effect Alex Walmsley has from concerned, Alex is up there with the best It’s mad to think you’re heading into your
close quarters as acting half-back and front rowers. I remember him playing 10th year. You’ve come a long way from
there are not many more players in Super against Leeds when he absolutely the lad that first came into training in
League as effective as him! He is probably destroyed them. For me, it was like 2013.
the most destructive ball carrier in the watching the big lad in the Under 10s It was clear then though that you were
competition. He has an intimidating creating havoc with his size. As he has quite a handful, it was just playing the ball
presence and his sheer size means that he matured, he certainly relishes the that was the issue!
commits three or four men in the tackle to leadership role within the team and You’ve managed to solve that by simply
try and stop him. A one-on-one tackle on there's certainly a few more years left for scoring tries, so playing the ball is no
him is simply not an option! him to carry on at the high standards he longer a necessary skill. Joking aside, you
When he first came, he was a raw talent has set for himself. truly are unique on the field and I
and occasionally looked a bit clumsy, but He's a really popular character around the suppose that is the best way to describe
he gradually benefitted from the full-time club and well-like throughout the game. you. There aren’t many people across the
environment. His agility and skill levels He is a great ambassador for rugby league game if any who can carry the way that
certainly improved and also his knowledge and likes his media appearances and you do.
of the game overall. His improved fitness always comes across well, which is I am truly thankful that I have been able to
and conditioning enabled him to compete another of his attributes. share the field with you as a teammate
physically and make the most of his over the years and am even more
running technique when carrying the ball. thankful that I haven’t had to stand in
Another thing is his speed off the mark front of you on a kick-off carry.
from a standing start which is quite Our careers have almost run alongside
surprising. Alex has had to realise too that each other and not only have I been
opposing teams will try to target him fortunate enough to share a field with you
defensively, to try and reduce his energy at club level, but also international level.
levels when he takes the ball up, but he This has led to a good friendship being
has coped admirably. built up over the years in which we have
His neck injury that ruled him out in 2018 shared some major highs and lows
was a real challenge for him. I remember at together.
the rehab session after the game against Although I know that this friendship has
Warrington…he was a bit sluggish…and been tested at times by FIFA.
we were saying 'what's up with you, you Congratulations on your testimonial and
big softie.' He was going to have a scan, here’s to many more successful years.
but we never thought the injury would be Hopefully, retirement is a long time away,
so severe. The very fact that he had unlike your PS days.
surgery on his neck and he overcame the
physical and psychological barriers to
come back again to play at top level from
the start of 2019 speaks volumes about
the man himself. This was when the team
hit a real purple patch and Alex's game just
got even better, under Justin and now,
with Kristian. He has been such a vital part
of the squad's 'Threepeat' success.

PAGE 43

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“Before you know it, I had gone from being an
England international playing the best rugby of my

life to a double neck fracture and sitting in the
Liverpool Royal A&E for six hours in a neck brace

waiting for an emergency CT scan”.

SAINTS have dominated the last three “Then Millsy the physio rang and said, described it as an injury that you would
seasons, winning three Super League 'Alex, I don't want you to panic, but you see on a jockey or someone in a motor-
titles in a row and in 2021 lifted the have broken your neck!' cycle accident.
Challenge Cup for the first time since “He reassured me I would be fine – but “The impact that had been created was
2008. when someone tells you have broken not usually seen in sport. But that shows
The go-forward provided by Alex your neck the stigma that comes with the you how physical our game is by
Walmsley has been key to much of that injury hits you.” comparing the impact to someone
success under both Justin Holbrook and He was placed in a neck brace while the coming off a motorbike at high speed,” he
Kristian Woolf, but the last five years have questions whizzed around his head. said.
not been without their traumas. “You want immediate answers…will I be He has reflected on that incident since,
Early on in the 2018 season, Alex ran in to able to play rugby again? What is the and puts his challenge down to fatigue
put a big shot on Warrington wing Mitch prognosis? and fitness following the late finish to that
Brown at the Halliwell Jones – and was led “But you don't get answers because year's World Cup in Australia.
off in some serious discomfort. nobody knows until you get scans and “I look back and I had come back from the
It later transpired that he had broken his they are investigated by specialists. World Cup bruised and battered and did
neck in two places – leaving him with a “Before you know it, I had gone from not get much training in and was not fit.
major battle. That he overcame it and being an England international playing the “With that shot on Mitch Brown, I put
came out the other side stronger after best rugby of my life to a double neck myself in this position where I ended up
such a traumatic mental and physical fracture and sitting in the Liverpool Royal causing this injury,” he said.
challenge is testament to the front A&E for six hours in a neck brace waiting The serious nature of the injury meant
rower's true grit. for an emergency CT scan. that there were not simply physical
Alex said: “I don't remember too much “My C6 had totally cracked in half and part challenges in front of him, but significant
about the tackle or the contact – I was a of my C7 had broken off and was lying on psychological ones.
bit dazed and thought I had done my nerves, that is why I could not use my Both aspects needed to be addressed in
something to my shoulder. arm. his treatment and subsequent recovery.
“I had pains down my left-hand side and “The specialist said the only reason I was “There was nerve damage – and some of
waited to see if it would settle down. still walking was because I played rugby that has not come back and never will
“I could not lift my left arm and that is and had a strong neck and my muscles come back.
when we realised there was an issue but around it had kept it together and it had “I have a weakened left arm and my
at no point did anyone know what I had not displaced.” triceps only works to an extent, but the
actually done. He needed an operation to get the bone mental side was always the biggest
“I drove to have my MRI scan – and as I off his nerve and to repair it with screws, hurdle to jump.
put my kit back on the nurse said, 'can plates and a cage. “It was a tough 12 months,” he said.
you just hang about for a minute'. “It was a scary time – particularly with His mind worked overtime on bleak,
“I thought that strange because usually being a new father and having a new- worst-case scenarios on the impact of his
you get a phone call in the evening and born, it was tough to take. injury and how it could limit not just his
told what is happening. “John Leach, who performed my surgery, career but the daily life routines that most
folk take for granted.
He said: “It was strange, but I thought
about things all the time and there was
probably no foundation to it.
“It is how the mind plays. You wait at any
point for something to slip and then be in
a position where you can't move.
“It was scary because you think am I going
to be able to walk, am I going to lift my boy
again and what way is my life going to go.
“I am not ashamed to admit it but I was
really, really scared.
“You look at a broken neck and you think
of someone in a wheelchair or
incapacitated. I had to acknowledge that
was the situation I was in even if there was
no substance to it.”
Alex had been presented with an outside
hope that he would be back for the end
of the year, but he suspects that was to
keep him mentally focussed on coming
back.

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ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

He had to go for repeated CT scans only “The best thing that happened was Justo Alex was pleased on a personal and team
to be told that the bones had not quite resisted the temptation of putting me on level to see this development.
fused yet – and that created an element the bench first game back and I was “Tommo had stepped up in my absence,
of doubt because sometimes it doesn't straight into the action. and I was so happy for him because he
fuse. “As soon I crossed the white line and the debuted the same year as me and I
“That was really tough. You are back game kicked off I didn't have time to think roomed with him at London the night
training and you can do weights, but you about it. before his debut.
can't do contact because you have four “It was a Wigan derby and the first game “We started our journey together.
plates and four screws at the front of your and we wanted to win. “To see what he did in 2018 I could not
neck and the same at the back with a “But all I can remember before the game have been prouder – prior to that he was
cage in the middle that you are hoping will was thinking I want to be sat in this coming off the bench but that year he
fuse together,” he said. changing room after the game and be all came into his own
“The plates and screws are permanent right. “As a player he is one of the best in the
with the cage replacing the disc they took “Nothing else was going through my world and in the right team he is unplayable.
out because it was completely crushed. head. “It helped me come back because there
“That mesh is fused together and is there “I had a decent game and we won, but the was not the pressure on me to lead the
for life and is as tough as it ever was – like relief after the game was immense. I was pack because he was flying alongside the
reinforced concrete. like that for the next six months while I likes of Morgs, LMS and Leesy.
“I recall driving to my final CT scan of continued to see my specialist.” “We dominated in 2019 and apart from
December with the physio and it was like For Alex, though, it was not simply about one off day at the Challenge Cup final we
driving to a funeral, but they said it had putting on the boots again – he wanted to trampled everything in front of us – our go
fused and they were seeing what they be the same player and not tone down forward was a big part of that and it was a
wanted to see. the physicality in his game and spoke with joy to play alongside Tommo.
“The bone was healed and strong – and the psychologists about it. “Tommo in that Grand Final win over
to do something like it again I would have “I said I don't want to be a different player Salford was unbelievable.
to put myself in the exact same scenario because there is no secret, my game is “You need your Jonnys and Tommys to
which was obviously a freak injury.” based on my carry and the physicality in finish the tries, but we always speak as a
He explained that the months waiting for defence,” he said. pack.
the all-clear were tough – given it was not “With my carry I work as hard as I can and “We know if we are on we will win
like a broken leg or an ACL where there is do what I do. because we have the quality outside to
a script to follow with the recovery. This “I didn't want to be running half- hearted get the job done.
was brand new injury to the player and and not giving 100 per cent. If I could not “That is the pressure that comes in
the staff so that added to the anxiety and give that then I would have retired there playing in our pack and we talk about it
doubt that came with the injury. and then. before the game,” Alex said.
Nevertheless, Alex was given the green “Thankfully I threw myself into everything The 2019 Grand Final was Saints' first for
light, and started pre-season ahead of – there were big shots and crunching five years and came after Saints had lost a
the 2019 campaign. tackles and those doubts were at the lot of big games between 2015 and the
He admitted to being terrified ahead of back of my mind. Warrington cup final defeat.
his comeback game – the Super League “When I was on the pitch it did not affect The relief that swept over the team,
opener against Wigan at the Totally me as much as off it. particular the senior player, was palpable
Wicked Stadium. “It was quite a big challenge for myself.” after Saints carried off that pot at Old
He said: “I remember Louie driving me to In Alex's absence in 2018, prop Luke Trafford.
the stadium and I felt awful, really scared. Thompson had stepped up to the plate. “It was huge in 2019 – we had dominated
When the pair were re-united in the front in 2018 but had only won the League
row for the start of 2019, the pair worked Leaders Shield.
in tandem to give Saints a huge go- “We had won the league by the biggest
forward to sending defences back- margin in RL history but had lost the
pedalling and allowing the halves and Challenge Cup final.
outside backs to make hay. “That monkey just gets even bigger.

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ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

“We clearly were the best team, but we First in their sights that year was the World The enforced break, Alex admits,
had not won a final so the pressure gets Club Challenge game against NRL however did allow the Saints to re-charge
bigger. premiers Sydney Roosters – and that was their batteries and they used the time off
“So, when we went to the Grand Final viewed as a big focus for Saints to aim for. well.
against Salford everyone in rugby league Alex said: “I was looking forward to it “We all had time to reflect as players and
wanted them to win it, they wanted a fairy particularly after how disappointing we even staff.
tale. The pressure was double again – had fared against the Australian club “Kristian expected a lot of me because he
hence the relief afterwards. sides in the 2015 and 2016 series. knows I have got that there – and I was
“That victory was the starting point for “This was a good opportunity to make a not producing that at the start of 2020.
what we did in 2020/21. statement as to where we were as a club “We were in constant dialogue and that
“It reaffirmed that we can do it in the big after a couple of good years. made me come back stronger. We have a
games and we are going to carry on “We put plenty into that Roosters game great rapport.
doing it. We have not lost a semi or a final and were arguably the better team but “We all had to make sacrifices, but it gave
since. bombed three tries. us an opportunity that you never ever
“That stemmed from getting the monkey “They took every opportunity they had have as a player – that is three or four
off our back there.” and that was the difference. months to let our bodies recover.
Alex was among a number of Saints who “The game took a lot out of us. A few of us “I had been at a point pre-pandemic
went on a gruelling Great Britain tour to were already fatigued from the effects of where my body was struggling, to just
play Tonga, Papua New Guinea and New the GB tour. allow it to repair was invaluable,” he
Zealand. “It was quite a challenge off the back of said.
The idea of playing for Great Britain and the 2019 Grand Final; Justo had left, During the lockdown, when there were
emulate heroes in his position was Kristian had come in and there was a lot of restrictions in place, he was able to use
something he was proud of. changes and we suffered at the start of weights at home to train and benefit from
“I used to love watching the Lions play the 2020.” the absence of the physical knocks from
Aussies; Moz getting sent off after 12 After the defeat at Castleford, the impact playing and training.
seconds and JP going toe-to-toe with of Covid shut the game down as it ripped “We identified early on that we were going
Willie Mason. through the world impacting the lives of to come back stronger than anyone else,
“I am grateful to have had that everyone. we trained hard by ourselves, and all the
opportunity. It was such a bruising tour boys bought into that,” he said.
against three big physical teams – we There was another change post-
were so busted and took so many lockdown – with Luke Thompson
injuries,” he said. switching to the NRL and former skipper
The impact of that tour caused James Graham coming in the opposite
something of a hangover effect for the direction.
Saints contingent when the 2020 Super “For me personally it meant loads. The
League season kicked off. way Jammer has played the game has
There was a new coach at the helm in been highly regarded both here and in
Kristian Woolf – whose Tonga side Alex the NRL and on the internationallevel
had just encountered – and he had a “I was buzzing when Woolfy said we had a
tough act to follow given the chance to bring him over. And his arrival
achievements of 2019. helped excite us and give us a spurt after
The new boss was quick to give Alex we returned.
honest appraisal at the start of that tough “He absolutely rallied us, and I had five or
2020 – something he took on board. six months to learn as much as I possibly
“It was always going to be a tough could off Jammer - just watching him train
transition for Woolfy because under and how he approached it.
Justin we had been the best team, head “I was a better player for Jammer coming
and shoulders above the others for two along, without a shadow of a doubt,” he
years,” Alex said. said.
Saints bounced through the league on
their return – the players were fit,
rejuvenated and focussed.

PAGE 47

STANDING TALL
FP

ALEX WALMSLEY TESTIMONIAL 10 YEARS A SAINT 2012-2022

WALMSLEY

TES2TI0M2ON2IAL

Alex said: “We came back fit, fast and It had been a typical Saints v Wigan derby “But we were pretty commanding in the
strong and were determined to play at a with defences on top and with the scores second half and to finally get it was a real
speed and intensity that nobody else level Zak Hardaker missed a late penalty proud moment especially having missed
could live with. shot at goal. out so many times at the semi and the
“We began to climb the league from mid- But with golden point beckoning Saints final stages.
table and played at a different level with snatched it with that last play. “The challenge then was to back it up.”
the new rules, the six agains and no “When Tommy hit the drop goal I turned Saints had an enforced Covid break after
scrums. round to chase him to celebrate and he Wembley, but were soon back on it with
“The game had quickened up and we said its missed as I looked round I could some impressive performances –
knew we could take advantage of it by see Jack put the ball down. particularly against Leeds, Warrington and
being fitter, faster and stronger. “I watched it and watched it on the big Wigan. There was one five-minute blip at
“That was a credit to us and how hard we screen while the video ref checked it for Magic which handed the Catalans
had worked during lockdown.” what felt like hours. Dragons the League Leaders.
When rugby league returned it was “But as soon as I saw Jack ground it I “Not many teams back it up – and it is so
behind closed doors with no fans – knew it was a try and ran to join in with the hard to pick yourself up emotionally again
something Alex described as “awful”. celebrations. but that was the challenge for us,” he said.
“We have never taken the fans for granted “The euphoria put to bed the year which “But we made sure we were not a flash in
but it made us appreciate them more. we thought in a way we deserved the pan.
“Being without fans and having to create because of the way we came back that “We had a ruthlessness and conviction
our own atmosphere in the games. The season after lockdown. when it mattered in big games and when it
lack of fans took a lot of the life and soul “To retain the title in what was for me the came to the crunch we got the job done.
out of the game,” he said. hardest of years – the pandemic, change “We talked about the three-peat and only
Saints reached the Grand Final where of rules, restrictions in place and playing one team that had done it – Leeds
they would face rivals Wigan behind behind closed doors - was an between 2007-2009.
closed doors at Hull. unbelievable achievement and a real “We wanted to be the real deal and to go
But there was drama leading up to it with fitting way to reward the sacrifice we had back and perform again at a high level at
Alex suffering cartilage trouble that put made as a team. Old Trafford against Catalans even if
him doubt for the final. “We were not going out socialising or everyone apart from those Saints fans
“There was a tear in my cartilage and if I even out to restaurants and cafes – we there in the red vee wanted us to lose.
bent it in a certain position it would come did not want anything to jeopardise our “That motivated us even more.
out. chances. “It is so difficult to win one – and so many
“In the semi against Catalans it came out “To get it at the end was perfect and to be great players and teams have not won a
three or four times that night. part of the most remembered Grand Grand Final – It takes so much effort to
“On the Wednesday before the game I Final of all time.” do.
was sat on my kitchen stool, and it went Saints had two targets in their sights at “To be crowned champs and be
out again and I could not get it back in. the start of 2021 – the elusive Challenge successful from the start of the year to
Physio Nathan Mill drove over from Cup and a crack at retaining Super the business end is no easy feat, but to
Rochdale and tried every position to get it League to do the three-peat. go out and do it three years in a row is
back in. Alex had made it clear in the past that one monumental. We wanted to leave our
“We ended up having to facetime the of the major parts in him staying at Saints mark and write our page in history and we
knee specialist and he told us all the was to win the Challenge Cup with St have done that.
different positions but it was two hours Helens. “And we did it with people so heavily
before the cartilage slipped back in. Saints had lost a number of semis in the involved in our success departing
“It was more frustrating that I would be past 10 years and got to the final in 2019 Cootey, Kevin, Theo and James Bentley.
playing the Grand Final in 48 hours. You after a long break but had come up short. “What a way to finish – no other team in St
can take painkillers, but it would affect Alex and the Saints were desperate to Helens had done three in a row before!
how I ran because when it is out you can't win that trophy “It was a proud moment. We had set out
bend your leg. “We spoke about the three-peat but the what we wanted to achieve but it was
“They strapped me up and said if I got cup was the one we had all missed out on then a question of what next.
through captain's run with no issues I – we had won the others but we were “It is like the quote from NFL quarterback
would play. desperate to win at Wembley,” he said. Tom Brady: 'You wanna know which ring
“I didn't want to let the boys down by “We dominated the game against is my favourite? The next one,' and it is no
playing and coming off after five minutes. Castleford from the start but for whatever different for us.
“I managed to get through until 78th reason we found ourselves behind at half “We just want to keep bringing success
minute – just as we got a penalty – but time. to the club.”
Millsy knew the technique and got it back
in.”
It turned out into a special night with Jack
Welsby scoring the last gasp winner
after touching down from Tommy
Makinson's ricochet off the post.
“The way that night finished summed up
everything great about the sport – with a
local lad, coming through the ranks and
the youngest player on the pitch coming
up with the biggest effort in the last
second of the game to win the most
tightly contested final,” Alex said.
“Jack with that play wrote himself into St
Helens folklore and RL history.
“It was a fitting way to celebrate an
unbelievable season for so many
reasons.”

PAGE 49

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