Alex Walmsley privileged to play alongside ‘best in the world’ Luke Thompson

St Helens prop Alex Walmsley heaped praise on team-mate Luke Thompson following his man of the match performance in the Super League Grand Final.

Thompson scooped the Harry Sunderland Trophy after making 27 carries and 42 tackles in a lung-busting 72 minute stint for the new champions.

When told Thompson describes Walmsley as his inspiration, the former Batley prop remarked: “He’s mine! What a player. 70 minutes straight. Unbelievable. He’s the best in the world.

“It’s such a privilege to play alongside him.

“I missed most of last year and to get back in front row with Thommo and he’s been a joy to play alongside.”

More on the Grand Final

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Luke Thompson is the best prop in the world, says Justin Holbrook

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Walmsley made an astonishing recovery from a broken neck to be part of the glorious St Helens team, and he admitted he wasn’t sure he would ever make it back to the pitch.

He added: “At times no, I had to make some tough decisions, there was a lot of doubt, and I think ultimately I knew I wasn’t done.

“There were some dark days, and to be back playing was unbelievable, to be back here at Old Trafford and winning the Grand Final is the pinnacle of my career.”