SAINTS prop Alex Walmsley will make his first appearance of the pre-season in Sunday’s friendly against Swinton at Sedgley Park.

And after spending most of the winter months in rehab, following surgery on his ankle and shoulder, he just can’t wait to lace up his boots again.

After a storming 2015, which saw the big prop named in the Dream Team and shortlisted for man of Steel, injuries struck in the closing weeks of the campaign to wreck his international hopes and put a dent into his off-season.

Walmsley said: “I have had a few operations to get a few things right. At the back end of the year I picked up a few injuries and needed a bit of work on my shoulder, so it’s been a long, frustrating off-season.

“I did not get much of a break, and have been in rehab from 7am-5pm every day – long, lonely days which make it a tough four months.

“But I am back fit now – but I will be having a run out this weekend to make sure it is all hunky-dory. It has been tough but now I am there or thereabouts.

“I am expecting to be blowing a bit. You can train as hard as you want, for as long as you want, but you need match fitness.

“I think Kez’s plan is to throw me out there and see how long I last. It will be a heavy pitch because the weather has not been too good and that will make it a tough game.

“I am looking forward to getting the boots on and playing rugby league.”