Cup debut is perfect cure for Walmsley
WRECKING-BALL Alex Walmsley plans to make up for lost time with a vengeance today.
The 6ft 5in, 18st England prop was due to make his international bow against Australia last week. But a virus wiped out his dream World Cup debut and Walmsley is now desperate to make amends.
He is in the team to face minnows Lebanon in Sydney and wants to justify his reputation as one of the hottest talents in the game.
“I can’t wait, especially after the week I had, being so close and missing out. It has made me more hungry,” said Walmsley.
“It’s something I’ve been striving towards for a few years and thankfully I’ll realise that dream in Sydney. I’ll be very proud.”
The St Helens star was laid low by illness early last week but recovered to join in the captain’s run the day before the Australia game.
But he suffered another setback that night and was forced to admit defeat in his battle to get fit to face the Kangaroos.
He said: “It knocked me for six. It was clear I’d struggle in a Test match against Australia if I was anything but 100 per cent. It was really frustrating – I’ve been so close to playing internationally now for a couple of years. But thankfully I’m good to go now.”
Walmsley topped the Super League charts for metres gained this year and is in big demand Down Under.
Several NRL clubs are showing interest in the 27-year-old, who was playing amateur rugby five years ago. And Walmsley has refused to rule out a possible move, saying: “I’ve seen the reports and it’s out there.
“I’ve got 12 months on my contract and I’ve loved my time there. I’ve always said it’s up in the air.
“I haven’t spoken to anyone. I’m just focusing on performing well for England in the World Cup.”
Partner Simone and eight-week-old son Atticus have flown to Australia to support him and Walmsley admits they have helped. He said: “The first 24 or 36 hours or so I was locked away in quarantine making sure no one else got it. “Atticus and Simone arriving was a lift I really needed to be honest after spending so much time in bed looking at the same four walls.”
England are expected to post a big score against Lebanon but Walmsley said: “We’ll give them all the respect they deserve.
“They had a great win against France and will be up for this game. We have to approach it like any other test.”
George Williams was a late call-up for the clash with Lebanon.
The Wigan half-back was not initially in the 17-man squad, with coach Wayne Bennett sticking with the same backs that played against Australia.
But full-back Jonny Lomax was pulled out of the match yesterday with a slight niggle, forcing a reshuffle.