Walmsley wants England shot

St Helens prop Alex Walmsley says he was devastated to miss out on an England shirt last year and has set his sights on forcing his way into Wayne Bennett’s squad.

Walmsley had an outstanding 2015 season but was unavailable for the series with New Zealand because of injury.

“It’s always been an ambition of my and to miss out last year with injury was devastating,” he told Love Rugby League.

“It’s still one of my goals, whether it’s this year or next year, it’s still something I want to achieve. We’ll see how it goes.

“Obviously I need to keep on with my performances abd hopefully if I can pick up the right form at the right time, you never know.

“I’m happy to be in and around that squad, and all it takes is a few good performances and you can work your way in.

“I’d love to, there’s no great honour than representing your country.”

Walmsley is ranked fifth in all of Super League for metres made this year and third for carries. He’s ranked 30th in the competition for tackle busts and 25th for offloads.

England boasts a formidable forward pack with the likes of James Graham, Chris Hill, Sean O’Loughlin, Elliot Whitehead, Mike Cooper and the three Burgess brothers.

Walmsley knows he will have to be at this best to get a chance in that pack.

“As a nation we are probably blessed with the best pack in the world,” the 26-year old admitted.

“The boys down under are just doing their thing week in, week out and to have Sam [Burgess] back in rugby league – it really does strengthen that pack as well.

“It’s a very tough pack to break into and if I was lucky enough to break into it, I’d have a lot of fun.

“I’ve met a lot of the boys [before], they’re great lads and outstanding players. Hopefully I get the opportunity to play with them.”