THERE is plenty of competition, but Alex Walmsley has been the outstanding prop of Super League XX and fully deserves the accolades coming his way.

Even without looking at the statistics that read top metre maker with 4,093, most carries at 531 and the second most tackle busts at 119, most fair minded observers would welcome his first time selection in the Dream Team and shortlisting for the Steve Prescott Man of Steel.

And yet for all his obvious delight at earning some weighty plaudits the 6ft 5 man mountain, who has really made his presence felt forcefully in the heat of the toughest of battles, retains a really down-to-earth and grounded outlook.

Although something of a late starter, the 25-year-old has improved year on year in the three seasons he has been at Langtree Park since signing from Batley at the end of 2012.

The raw material was always there – and that is why wily coach John Kear first took a punt on him to take him to the Bulldogs.

But year-on-year the polish has been added at Saints, with Walmsley now getting back what he has put in.

Gone are those costly errors playing the ball, his offload game is developing and a massive factor in his advancement this term has been his increasing capability to play more minutes.

Walmsley modestly explained the input of the coaching staff has been invaluable in adding those strings to his bow

"At the start of the year Kez sat me down and told me he was going to get more minutes from me," he said.

"He had confidence in me and we worked together on ball skills, my passing game and offload .

"I have worked hard on my game and it is starting to pay off a little bit.

"The offload game has always been there but it has come more to the fore with confidence and it helps when you have someone like James Roby inside me.

"Leeds, with Adam Cuthbertson in particular, have shown how effective it can be.

"They like to offload and then that can give the outside backs the chance to show what they can do."

A self-confessed late starter in the pro game, Walmsley followed a similar route to the top flight England prop Chris Hill who signed from Warrington from Leigh at the age of 23.

Walmsley believes it is important that the door should not be slammed shut on late developers or players who have been missed or prematurely cast aside by the Super League clubs' academy set up.

"There is always a pathway there for players – Chris Hill was a fine example of that and Zak Hardaker, too, came through from Fev in the Championship.

"I was very lucky to go and get a trial at Batley and then be coached there.

"I am so grateful to have been given that chance, firstly by John Kear at Batley then St Helens.

"I firmly do believe that there is unearthed talent around the amateur game as well as the Championship," he said.

Walmsley signed a new three-and-a-half year deal at Saints in the spring, spurning the offers from NRL clubs.

And his form has remained at a steady high standard, but despite that he could not believe it when he was shortlisted for Man of Steel.

"When someone told me I was shortlisted for that major honour I thought it was a wind up.

"I am still trying to get my head around being in the top three – up against players like Zak Hardaker and Adam Cuthbertson.

"I am genuinely chuffed about it and so proud to be there."

There is another notch that the former Dewsbury Celtic junior would like to take his year to with the test series against the on the horizon.

"International rugby would be the cherry on top of everything.

"It has been an unbelievable year for myself and there is talk in and around the camp about England, but as a nation we have got a fantastic forward pack and an exceptional front row.

"It has always been a goal of mine whether that is this year, next or in 10 years' time."

But first thing is first - and Walmsley is crossing his fingers to be fit for Friday's semi so he can help Saints defend their Super League crown.

"I feel good. I have trained this week but we always set this week as the target for coming back, we are all happy with how it is gone so all being well I'll be back this week.

"It has been a long year and it was a relief to have some time off at the end," Walmsley said.

Looking ahead, the next fortnight is massive for Saints as they aim to retain the title for the first time since 2000.

Although the side has had their dips in form, Walmsley is confident that they have the personnel to make a decent fist of their title defence.

"When you play in a quality side it brings out the best in you, week in week out.

" I can't speak highly enough of players like Robes and captain Jon Wilkin has led by example. That rubs off on the team and brings the best out of the players.

"Getting to Old Trafford last year was unbelievable but to win it was such a special feeling. We all hope to get to emulate that this year.

"But we have a real challenge on Friday night, Leeds came back with a win last week and will be feeling more confident.

"They always come out firing –we have to control their outside backs and do a job in the middle they have dangers across the board. This will be a real test of our character.

"But we are not a bad team either."