Podcast: Alex Walmsley on turning down NRL, World Cup pressure & John Kear influence

Josh McAllister 03 Aug 2022 11:55 AM

St Helens and England prop forward Alex Walmsley is this week’s guest on the Love Rugby League podcast.

The 32-year-old joins host George Riley for the latest big interview, reflecting on his career and looking ahead to the Rugby League World Cup.

Walmsley started his playing days with Dewsbury Celtic in the amateur league before joining Batley. He then signed with St Helens in 2013 and is currently in his 10th year in Super League.

He discusses John Kear’s influence early on in his career and the pressure on England for this year’s home World Cup. The prop forward also insists St Helens’ recent wobble is nothing to do with the uncertainty around head coach Kristian Woolf’s future.

Meanwhile, Love Rugby League reporter Josh McAllister joins to discuss all the latest in rugby league.

More on Alex Walmsley

Walmsley took an usual route to the top of rugby league. Having started his career with Dewsbury Celtic, he won the National Conference League player of the year award in 2011. In February 2012, he joined Batley Bulldogs following a trial at the club.

He won Batley’s player of the year award and the Championship young player of the year during his only season with the Bulldogs. He then signed with St Helens for the start of the 2013 season.

Walmsley is currently celebrating his testimonial year in 2022.