Saints beat off competition from Super League clubs to sign Alex Walmsley (From St Helens Star)

Saints beat off competition from Super League clubs to sign Alex Walmsley

9:43am Thursday 13th September 2012 in Latest News By Mike Critchley

SAINTS have beaten off stiff competition from a couple Yorkshire Super League clubs to snap up Batley’s giant prop Alex Walmsley.

The club have followed the progress of the 21-year-old front rower in the Championship since the start of the season – and have now secured his services on a three year deal.

Standing at 6ft5 and weighing more than 16 stones, Walmsley, deemed a late developer, will add size to the pack.

Capped by Great Britain students, the former Dewsbury Celtic packman has been learning his trade under the tutelage of John Kear at Mount Pleasant.

But the move to a full time environment at Saints will now see him develop his attributes further.

Club Chairman Eamonn McManus said: “Alex is one of the most promising and exciting prospects in the game and we are delighted to have secured his services ahead of stiff competition from other clubs.

"He is a powerful forward who we have no doubt will suit Saints style of play. We look forward to welcoming him into the club.”

In dipping into the Championship saints are no doubt hoping to enjoy similar success to that enjoyed by Warrington, who plucked Chris Hill from Leigh with great success.

The Walmsley signing comes in the week that a few more familiar faces penned new deals at Langtree Park.

Captain Paul Wellens has re-signed for one year as has Kiwi international winger Francis Meli while utility forward Paul Clough has put pen to paper on a three-year deal.