11 January 2024 , 09:29
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St Helens star Alex Walmsley is ready to embrace no longer being Super League champions - and drive on to new heights.
The hulking England prop helped Saints win an unprecedented four titles in a row. But their dominance was finally ended by Catalans in last year’s semis and arch-rivals Wigan were crowned new kings. Given legendary captain James Roby has retired along with fellow Grand Final winners Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook and Will Hopoate, some reckon Saints’ time is up.
But Walmsley, 33, argues otherwise and is relishing the new campaign kicking off against promoted London on February 16. He admitted: “It is a new challenge for us - the first time in four years we’re not going in as champions. We’ve had a few notable retirees last year and some massive personalities in the team are no longer here.
“That era is kind of over now and we’ve a new challenge as a new team who are hopefully going to go after something. There is almost that fresh feel about the squad and the club. It’s a real challenge to embrace.”
Personally, the World Cup finalist is feeling rejuvenated and ready to fire in. Speaking at the premiere of Saints Down Under: History Makers , a documentary detailing their iconic 2023 World Club Challenge glory over NRL champions Penrith, he added: “It’s always an exciting time.
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"This is the first time in a long time where I’ve not had a disrupted pre-season through surgeries or internationals. I feel like if I can get the benefits from the back of that I’ll be able to put my best foot forward this year.”
St Helens' Alex Walmsley on the rampage against Warrington (Alex Whitehead/SWpix.com)Walmsley was crocked for two months after a controversial tackle from John Asiata in July’s Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Leigh left him with a serious knee injury. The challenge wasn’t deemed illegal last year but law amendments in 2024 should thankfully now see it wiped out. Walmsley is glad to see change and said: “I don’t think anyone goes into the game with any intention of hurting anybody.
“We’ve seen in the past with the hip-drop tackle and there’s other certain ways. [But] player welfare should be a priority. Whether it has been in the past or not, I’m not too sure. I’m not just talking recently but long-term. It’s important we look after players in every way.
"And there’s been some very notable changes in terms of concussions, head injuries and tackles about the head. There will be a lot of changes in rugby league over the next couple of years [tackle height being lowered to below the armpit in 2025]. This year will be the start of a transition to some quite radical ones. It’s an ever-evolving dynamic and one I’m hoping for the best.”
Ahead of the big premiere of Saints Down Under: History Makers at Cineworld (CREDIT: Bernard Platt) (St Helens)Meanwhile, Walmsley joined the rest of the squad, coaches, staff and sponsors at St Helens' Cineworld last night for the first viewing of Saints Down Under which was filmed by club videographer Josh Howard. Following the club on their historic trip, with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, it’s a fascinating insight into what makes the Super League record-breakers tick - and how they brought the revered NRL champions to their knees. Walmsley, who was towering up front that night in Sydney, admitted: “I really enjoyed it.
“It’s an opportunity to relive some amazing memories. Beforehand, I didn’t know quite what to expect. When we went out there and Josh had his camera in hand, I don’t think this (cinema) intention was in mind. But it’s great and brought back many smiles. Sitting at the back watching, especially when the game footage came on, the goosebumps came back. To experience those again in a cinema probably shows what it meant to us all.”
As rugby league continually strives to break through into wider audiences, the documentary is the sort of initiative which will be welcomed by strategic partners IMG. And Walmsley added: “To be able to look back and use it and remember what was such an historic night, not just for the club but English rugby league and Super League in particular, it's a credit to Josh those guys.
“We look at where we are as a sport and how we want to keep growing - you see Netflix documentaries where they follow Man City and other famous clubs around the world - I think this is our own little version of that. If we can push those avenues, it’s just another feather in the cap of our sport.”