CREAM OF THE PROP
Smart Alex insists he’s sticking with Saints BEN’S OUT TO PROVE HE IS A REAL STEEL
ALEX WALMSLEY has dismissed talk of a move to the NRL, saying he wants to extend his St Helens deal.
The Great Britain prop is wanted by Canterbury Bulldogs, the team his Saints team-mate Luke Thompson joined during lockdown.
A stunning performance in the 48-0 win over Leeds on Sunday, which included a barnstorming try, will have only increased attention on him.
But Walmsley insists he’s going nowhere. He said: “I am very happy at Saints and have two and a half years left on my contract.
“I’m looking to see those years out and hopefully extend. I am happy with what we’re aiming to achieve.”
The 30-year-old also set up a try for
Theo Fages on the back of a devastating break, defying fears that the new rules would hamper bigger players.
Walmsley, 6ft 5in and 18 stone, said: “It is tougher. There was a lot of talk that it is going to be the end for big men and it might be.
“It isn’t made for the bigger forwards but I am thankful I have got 16 men around me who do a lot of graft and probably make me look better than I am.”
The combination of the newly introduced six-again rule, plus no scrums, has made the game quicker – with the
■ ball in play more often. Some sides have struggled to adapt since lockdown but champions Saints have taken the new rules by storm.
They have scored 82 points against Leeds and Catalans, only conceding six, and Rhinos skipper Luke Gale
(inset) fears they’ve already stolen a march on everyone else.
The half-back said: “It looks like Saints are playing a different game to the rest of us.
“They have really got to grips with the new rules and play the game so quick that it’s hard for anyone to stop them.
“They are running harder and tackling harder. They dominate in the middle and are moving the ball about less so big guys like Alex Walmsley get the benefit because his tank is on full and he’s unplayable.
“They are conserving energy by finishing their sets, turning the ball over in the right places and being really disciplined.”
The shutout – their first at home since 1992 – dropped Leeds from first to fourth but Gale insists it’s only a blip.
He said: “We are not going to panic just because we have been blown out of the water by Saints.
“We have still got a game in hand and we’re in a good spot. We just need to fix a few things up.”
BEN CHURCHFIELD has his eyes on a starting place after joining Sheffield on a two-year deal.
The 24-year-old agreed his first contract as back-up goalie with the top-flight Steelers but he’s desperate to prove he can be a regular Elite League starter. Churchfield’s parents have spent most of his life switching between England and America but he will begin his pro
■ career with the team he supported in his teens.
He took his GCSES while at school in Sheffield but has spent the last three years studying for a degree in Applied Exercise Science and that has included an internship with American optometrist Dr Jon Olmes.
Churchfield said: “He specialises in how athletes train their eyes to be better, and I wanted to train (right) with him and see how I can improve.
“In games it’s just me and the puck, it’s my ability to find that puck and to keep it in focus.”
The talented stopper was capped by Great Britain when he was 20 and helped the Lions win the bronze medal at the 2016 World Junior Championships.
But he has spent the last three years playing for the University of New England.
He added: “I’m just really excited to have joined the Steelers and I haven’t stopped smiling for a few days! I woke up the other day and my Mum said, ‘You are a hockey player now!’
“I was taught to skate at Ice Sheffield and we were there most nights and I watched the Steelers from behind one of the goals.
“I always wanted to be a goalie and I remember getting one of their netminders to sign the top of a Pringles carton!
“I understand I’m starting as the back-up goalie but I want to show everybody what I can do.”