England stunner for Alex
® ENGLAND bolter Alex Walmsley is still shellshocked over his call-up for next week’s Test match against Samoa.
The St Helens prop wasn’t even chosen as one of England’s best 31 Super League players at the beginning of the year.
But the 6ft 5in forward has bulldozed his way into the 20-man Test squad with some stunning displays for struggling Saints.
Being named as one of 12 players from Super League – the other eight are in the NRL – has stunned the 27-year-old late bloomer.
He said: “I am still waiting for it to sink in, it’s unbelievable, one of the most amazing feelings I’ve ever had.
“I didn’t get picked for the 31-man elite training squad because of my performances and fitness last season. It makes it even more special.
Abuse
“Five years ago I was happy playing amateur for Dewsbury Celtic. Now I’m potentially going to be playing for England. It has been a whirlwind.”
The Test takes place in Australia on May 6, with England using it as a warm-up for the World Cup there later in the year. THE charge of racial abuse against Salford winger Justin Carney was adjourned until next week. Carney will not play before the tribunal hearing. SWINTON have drawn a plum tie in the Challenge Cup sixth round.
The Championship part-timers, who knocked out Huddersfield in the last round, will be at home to Wigan.
There is also a tasty tie for Hull KR, the Championship side who sent out Super League Leigh in the fifth round.
Rovers will be away at Salford, while League One side Barrow have come up trumps, too.
The lowest-ranked team left in the cup have earned a money-spinning trip to 2015 winners Leeds.
Holders Hull take on Catalans in one of three all-Super League clashes, with Castleford facing St Helens and Warrington playing Widnes.
One Championship side is guaranteed a last-eight spot after Featherstone drew Halifax.
Last year’s semi-finalists Wakefield face a tricky tie at Dewsbury Rams. Leeds v Barrow, Salford v Hull KR, Castleford v St Helens, Featherstone v Halifax, Hull v Catalans Dragons, Dewsbury v Wakefield, Swinton v Wigan, Warrington v Widnes. Ties to be played weekend of May 13/14.