SAINTS prop Alex Walmsley has signed a two-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2026 season.
The giant prop has earned a reputation as one of the best forwards in Super League, and around the world, in his 12 seasons since joining Saints from Championship club Batley ahead of the 2013 campaign.
This contract extension will take the Saints’ number eight into his 14th season in the famous Red V.
The 6ft 5’ powerhouse made his Saints debut in a home fixture against Hull FC in 2013 and since then has gone on to make 278 appearances for the club to date, scoring 51 tries for a total point tally of 204 so far.
As an integral part of the Saints’ success, ‘Big Al’ has earned five Super League championships, four League Leaders’ Shields, a Challenge Cup, and a World Club Challenge.
Personal honours also include six appearances for England, four for Great Britain, and four Super League Dream Team selections.
Saints said that plenty of interest from other clubs has been expressed to acquire Alex’s services, but both the club and Walmsley were keen to ensure his future remained at the TWS.
Walmsley said: “I’m really happy, it's been something that's been in the pipeline for a while so to get it finalised, sorted, and announced I'm pleased. I am happy and excited for the next two and a half years.
“14 years at Saints is a long time and I've had some fantastic times over those over the years so far, and I am sure there's going to be some great times still to come.”
Walmsley said that the club’s continued aims for silverware is one of the big factors why he wants to continue playing at the Totally Wicked Stadium.
“I signed professionally quite late, I didn't come into the professional game until I was 22, and I feel like I've got a good few years left in me,” he added.
“I still believe when this contract’s up, I still think I'll be in a great position to continue playing, but that's something we'll discuss further down the line. I know I had twelve months at Batley, but if I were to become a one-club man at Super League level, I don’t think there is any other club you would rather do it at than St Helens.
“Being at a club with the quality we have in our squad, we should be challenging for silverware. Anything less than that isn't really an option, that's a massive reason why I still want to be involved at Saints. I want to be part of successful teams, in finals and picking up silverware. There are high expectations on us, but those expectations can be met.”
Walmsley remains one of Super League’s most fierce and feared forwards and plays a vital role in the side, and with some younger forwards also looking to make their mark he is excited to continue playing his big part, help blood in some of our younger talent, and be part of our leadership group too.
“While I'm laying that platform and doing what I have to do, it can only benefit the side. I don't feel like I'm slowing up in that regard whatsoever, I'm lucky I've got some real good players alongside me, especially in the middle.
“We're blessed at this club, what all great teams have is a number of leaders, not just one or two, we’re blessed to have so many, and we have a really good contingency of players outside of that leadership group who represent us as well and lead by example. We're all here to help each other, to look after each other, and if necessary, help guide each other as well.”
Walmsley added he is enjoying being led by head coach and former team-mate Paul Wellens.
“Wello [Paul Wellens] is great, what you see in Wello as a coach is what you saw a player, he expects a lot, he demands a lot, but those expectations and demands come off his own merit; because he was willing to do all that. I think having someone who knows what the passion of the town is, he’s a local lad and knows what is expected by the town. He brings that passion into training and into games, he's hungry to see the Club be successful. It is not just about him being a coach, it's about what he knows the town expects, wants, and needs. That passion feeds into us as players and hopefully, we can represent that out on the field.”
In a final word of gratitude to the Saints fans, ‘Walmsley added: “Thank you for your support ever since I signed, I've felt that the warmth of the St Helens people and the Club.
“I'm from a similar town in Dewsbury, a working-class town and coming to live in another working-class town and being supported by those people, I know they're the best people in the world. Ever since I've been here, the fans have supported me, you’ve backed me when I've gone through tough times. Thanks for everything over the last eleven and a half years, I'm sure that backing won’t change in the next two and half and I’m truly grateful for the support, hopefully I can do you justice.”
Saints coach Paul Wellens added: “Alex has been a fantastic story ever since he came into the Club, his journey wasn’t the conventional one through an Academy system, he played university rugby and then joined Batley before coming to St.Helens. He is a shining example for players who don’t go through the youth systems that there is still another path. Since joining us he has been nothing but exemplary in everything he has done, a real talisman and a huge reason behind the success we’ve had in our recent history.
“When teams plan to play against St.Helens I would invariably think that Alex Walmsley gets mentioned in most team meetings because of how unique he is, how destructive he can be. We work with Alex day-to-day, and he is a diligent and caring person, who looks out for his teammates. Everyone has a huge amount of respect for him as a person and not just as a player.”
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