ST HELENS and England prop Alex Walmsley has been awarded a testimonial season in 2022 as he approaches his tenth year in the red vee.

It is the powerhouse prop’s reward for staying loyal to the Saints, despite being presented with numerous opportunities to switch to the NRL over the years.

Nine years since being brought in from Batley as a project in late 2012, the 6ft 5 man-mountain has grown into one of the world’s most destructive front rowers in his time at Saints.

The partnership between club and player has been mutually beneficial with Saints building much of their go-forward off the back of Walmsley’s tackle-busting big carries.

In return, the 31-year-old has collected four Grand Final winners’ rings – with three of those won since battling back from an horrendous broken neck injury sustained in 2018.

Walmsley said: “I’m honoured to have been awarded a testimonial year at St Helens.

“Ever since I pulled on the famous red vee back 2012, I knew this was my home.

“The past nine years have truly been memorable, and it doesn’t get much better than winning three Grand Finals in a row and a Challenge Cup. It’s what dreams are made of.

“The news that the club and the RFL have granted me a Testimonial Year is the icing on the cake and I am excited for the year ahead in 2022. Stay tuned for details!”

Walmsley, who signed an extension in March until the end of the 2024 season, made his debut at home against Hull FC in 2013.

In a year in which he was meant to continue learning his trade at Batley but he went on to make 26 appearances for the club in his first season.

And has not looked back.

He progressed in 2014, helping Saints win the Super League Grand Final and in 2015 he went up another level, making more than 4,000 hard metres.

England international honours followed as did a new four-year contract in 2018 but sadly he suffered a neck fracture at Warrington, just five games into the campaign, and he missed the full season.

Such serious injuries can have a massive impact, even after recovery, but 2019 saw Walmsley fight back and was a stand-out performer, leading from the front as Saints went all the way to lOld Trafford to lift the prize yet again.

He was also rewarded by representing Great Britain on their first tour since 2013.

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It got better and in 2020 Walmsley was unplayable at times as he powered his way into the Super League Dream team after an impressive 10 tries in 20 appearances and was often the key to Saints success.

Last season he added to it, a first Challenge Cup, a fourth Grand Final ring, a third inclusion in the Dream Team and another England call-up.

In total Walmsley has made 225 appearances for the Saints. He has also played six times for England scoring one try and made a further four appearances for Great Britain.

Mike Rush, Chief Executive at St.Helens said: “Alex has been a terrific servant for our club and he thoroughly deserves his Testimonial year.

“Both on and off the pitch Alex is a true professional and his performances on the field have been world class for a number of years.

"He is without doubt, the best prop in Super League. Alex had a rapid rise to the top since we signed him from the Championship and year on year he has got better and better.

"He is an example of someone who has worked hard, through the lower leagues and progressed onto International honours.

“He was again crucial in our 2021 success and I am sure all our fans will pay tribute to him in his Testimonial Year in 2022.”

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Walmsley will have a Testimonial match in the new year and this along with the charities he has chosen to support will be announced in due course.