Walmsley addicted to drug of Saints success
St Helens prop Alex Walmsley says his team needs no extra motivation against Leeds on Friday as they seek to defend their Super League title.
Saints did the double in 2014, taking out the League Leader’s Shield and defeating Wigan in the grand final. While this season hasn’t been as smooth for St Helens, Walmsley says his side has been working hard to get back to Old Trafford again.
After the success of last year, the front-rower is adamant that finding the motivation has not been an issue at all for him in 2015.
“I’m sure rest of the boys can vouch for that,” Walmsley said.
“Once you’ve had a taste of it, it’s like a drug and you’re very much addicted.
“You push even more harder this year to emulate that because it is such a massive occasion and an unbelievable overwhelming feeling when you do come out on top.
“Not much motivation has been needed at all. We’re certainly raring to go and hopefully putting, starting this week at Leeds, putting a good performance in on the way back to retaining our title.”
Walmsley has been phenomenal this season, making more metres than any other player in Super League with 4092. The next closest player is Huddersfield’s Jermaine McGillvary with 3888, while the closest forward is Warrington’s Chris Hill with 3706.
Walmsley also leads the competition in carries, with 531, and is second in tackle busts with 119 behind Mark Minichiello.
The former Batley Bulldog, who is only in his third season in Super League, was selected in this year’s Dream Team.
Walmsley will be up against the likes of in-form Rhinos props Jamie Peacock and Adam Cuthbertson on Friday night.
The 25-year old believes Leeds will be on a high after their dramatic win against the Giants.
“We’ve been given a massive challenge, pitted against Leeds away,” Walmsley admitted.
“They’ve started to hit form again and especially coming back after their league win against Huddersfield, they’re going to be full of confidence.
“I’m sure they’ll be raring to go. We’re expecting a tough challenge but it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.”