St Helens have announced that Alex Walmsley has been granted a Testimonial year in 2022 as he heads into his tenth season with the club.
Walmsley joined St Helens back in 2012 from Betfred Championship side Batley Bulldogs and went on to make his debut in 2013 against Hull FC.
Since his debut, the prop-forward has racked up over 200 appearances for St Helens playing a pivotal role in helping the club lift the Betfred Super League for three consecutive seasons between 2019 and 2021.
Walmsley also won the Betfred Super League back in 2014 as well as being part of the St Helens’ side which ended their Betfred Challenge Cup Final hoodoo with victory over Castleford Tigers at Wembley Stadium in 2021.
The 31-year-old has represented England on six occasions, including five times at the 2017 Rugby League World Cup, scoring against Papua New Guinea. Walmsley was also a part of the 2019 Great Britain Rugby League tour.
On being awarded his Testimonial, 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 in 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 RFL have granted me a Testimonial Year is the icing on the cake and I am excited for the year ahead in 2022.”
St Helens Chief Executive, Mike Rush, added: “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 has 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 sure all our fans will pay tribute to him in his Testimonial Year in 2022.”
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.
