DEFENDING champions Saints will play their first and only pre-season friendly of 2022 when they host Leigh Centurions on Friday (8pm) for Alex Walmsley’s testimonial.

The game is the starting point for the international prop’s benefit year, his tenth in the red vee.

It has been quite a journey from humble origins for the 6ft 5 man-mountain - from Dewsbury Celtic to Saints, via Batley.

In that time Walmsley overcame a significant neck break to add three more Grand Final rings to the one he collected in 2014.

But as his coach Kristian Woolf has observed, the 31-year-old remains hungry for more.

St Helens Star:

Woolf said: “The best word to describe Al is unique.

“He is a player unlike any I have had the pleasure of dealing with before.

“Along with the sheer size, athleticism and the power is the real intelligence he has about himself, both on and off the field.

“That gives him that unique blend.

“That is why he is so hard to handle for opposition players.

“He has a genuine toughness and desire to want to be the best front rower and puts himself in positions to be that, too.

“His testimonial game is special and deserved for him for the service he has given to the game as a whole but especially to St Helens.”

Walmsley’s carries and the go-forward he has given Saints to play off the back of has been one of the key components of Saints’ recent glory.

And Woolf explains the toughness and resilience his number eight has shown has been invaluable to the team.

St Helens Star:

“Every position on a rugby league field is tough but none is more uncompromising than front row.

“He has done it for 10 years at the highest level and been at the top of his game for a long period of time.

“That is what makes him a special player.

“To be able to have that longevity despite some serious injuries, like the neck in 2018, overcome those challenges and have success and be as dominant as he has been for such a long period is what makes him special.

“We are proud to be a part of his testimonial game,” he said.

The game kicks off at 8pm.

Tickets: South stand: £15 adult, £12 concession (65+), £8 Junior (5-16+under 5 free) or £40 Family ticket (2 adults, 2 Juniors) – Unallocated blocks.

West Stand: £13 adult, £10 concession, £7 junior – standing.