BIG AL’S FAMILY AFFAIR

Walmsley’s great incentive to perform in belated Test bow

ALEX WALMSLEY will take out his frustrations on Lebanon this morning after seeing his Test debut hopes shattered last week.

The giant St Helens prop was set to make his international bow in the World Cup opener against holders Australia.

But Walmsley had to watch the 18-4 defeat from the sidelines after failing to shake off a virus and being ruled out on the day of the game.

Now the 27-year-old is fully recovered and has been handed a second chance by coach Wayne Bennett.

Walmsley said: “It was really frustrating – I’ve been so close to playing internationally now for a couple of years.

“I had a few days in bed trying to get over it, and I thought I’d done that and got through the captain’s run feeling all right.

“Unfortunately I had a setback that evening and I was ruled out the next day.

“It was clear I’d struggle in a Test match against Australia if I was anything but 100 per cent. At first we weren’t too sure what it was, and didn’t know whether it was something that could spread around the camp.

“The first 24 or 36 hours or so I was locked away in quarantine a bit, making sure no one else got it. But it’s over and I’m ready to go.”

Walmsley was given a touchline boost when partner

Simone and newborn baby Atticus (above) arrived in Melbourne for the match. The family had made headlines after Walmsley left St Helens’ Super League clash at Wakefield to attend the birth in full kit. He explained: “That was great – a lift I really needed after spending so much time in bed looking at the same four walls.

“As a 24-man squad we were really proud of the efforts and team performance we put in against Australia. “But as an individual it was frustrating watching, knowing I should have been playing. It’s made me more hungry to finally get out onto the field.”

Walmsley – who says he has not spoken to any NRL clubs despite speculation about his future in the Australian media – has warned against underestimating a Lebanon team that beat France 29-18.

He added: “They’re a bit of an unknown entity but we’ve watched their game against France last week and picked up what we needed to.

“They’ve got two worldclass halves in Robbie Farah and Mitchell Moses, and a few more NRL players.

“We’ll give them all the respect they deserve and we’ve got to approach it like any other Test. It will be physical.

“But we’re on a bit of a journey and we aim to finish that in the World Cup final.”

England could be set for another late change this week with George Williams set to play and Jonny Lomax an injury doubt.