ALEX Walmsley hopes to convince England boss Shaun Wane he can face the Aussies after having his Easter ruined.
The St Helens prop may now be 35-years-old – or as he puts it, halfway to 70 – but do not think playing for his country is beyond him.
2
And while keeping fit is top of his priority list, showing what he can do as Saints face Warrington for the third time in five weeks would send the message – I want in.
Walmsley said: “When it comes to wanting to represent your country and being an international player, you know, performing big games is pivotal.
“I’ve had conversations with Shaun recently, even though I haven’t been to the England meetings.
“But over the last two, three years, I’ve had some pretty significant injuries. They’ve ruled me out of the World Cup and Test series, and, last year particularly, I’ve probably suffered a lot because of them.
“However, what I’m very conscious about is making sure I’m fit and healthy. If I’m fit and healthy and playing to the standard I know I’m capable of playing at, then I’d love nothing more than being able to put that jersey on again, especially in a home Test series against Australia.”
Walmsley is used to rivalries. After growing up in the middle of Batley v Dewsbury, his last month will have seen Saints face near neighbours Warrington three times and Good Friday’s derby at Wigan.
But Saints’ priority is to avenge that 24-14 loss to the Warriors and the 20-12 reverse that saw the Wolves dump them out of the Challenge Cup.
Reminding people that a club like them cannot fly under the radar would also be a boost.
Walmsley added: “I don’t think Sir Helens are capable of that.
2
“With our history and our legacy, I suppose, as a club, you always expect to do well, and that doesn’t change regardless of who’s in the squad and who isn’t.
“There’s no difference to any other year, so there are expectations within us as a team, as a squad, and I suppose there’s expectation for us to deliver and be a St Helens team that’s competing and challenging each other.
“And I’m more than comfortable with how I’m playing, and I feel like I’ve still got a good few years left in me.”
