‘Itching to right some wrongs’ – St Helens spurred on as star man gives injury update

St Helens are ‘itching to right some wrongs’ after their disappointing 2024 season claims forward Alex Walmsley with the prop speaking on the ‘air of excitement’ racing through camp in pre-season.

It had looked at one point in 2024 that St Helens were trending to make history for all the wrong reasons with the club dangerously close to losing their record of making the play-offs in every Super League season to date.

A late-season Catalans collapse meant that points difference ensured Paul Wellens’ side made the top six, which in itself was some achievement given their torrid luck with injuries. Stars such as Jack Welsby, Daryl Clark, Lewis Dodd, Joe Batchelor, Morgan Knowles, Konrad Hurrell and Alex Walmsley all missed significant game time.

As such, assessing the season is incredibly tough with the 2024 campaign best left in the past, although one of those injured stars has claimed the ‘disappointment’ has left players ‘itching to get back into and right some of the wrongs’.

Alex Walmsley, who only made 12 appearances in Super League has explained to Saints TV that there is actually an ‘air of excitement’ in camp as the squad look forward to putting the 2024 campaign behind them.

He revealed: “Coming off a year like last year and the disappointment of how the year unfolded, I think everyone was itching to get back into it and right some of the wrongs of last year.”

‘Air of excitement’ at St Helens as Walmsley provides injury update

Not only is there excitement to get on the field and right the wrongs, there is also a buzz on account of the additions that Saints have made.

A trio of NRL signings have arrived in Kyle Feldt, Lewis Murphy and Tristan Sailor, whilst Lee Briers has joined the coaching staff in a major shake-up.

Speaking on the mood in camp, Walmsley explained: “It’s a funny one this time of year because it’s one that players can dread but I think there’s an air of excitement around the place at the minute.

“We’ve got some great new additions, not just within the playing squad but also in the coaching department as well. We’ve brought in some fresh ideas and there’s a real buzz about the place.”

Whilst there’s a good attitude in the camp, it’s still all about hard work and that’s especially true for Walmsley who has explained that he needs to use the time to rebuild his body after such an injury-plagued past few years.

The 34-year-old, who is contracted for 2025 and 2026, missed a significant spell from April through to August after having missed a two-month period from July to September the year prior.

He explained: “I’ve had quite a few injuries these past couple of seasons so it’s important that I put what I can in now to try and build myself back up for hopefully an uninterrupted campaign next year. I just want to be back on the field and play as many minutes as I can.”

After not appearing for England in the series against Samoa, it’s meant enough time for recovery as he explained: “The beauty of having six weeks to do nothing is allowing my hip to repair. I feel good. it’s the best I’ve felt in a while.

“All the targets that have been asked of me I’m hitting and I feel good. I don’t want to say too much but I feel confident going into the season that I’ll be back to where I need to be.”

Walmsley has once again been handed the number eight shirt for the 2025 campaign with the Yorkshire-born forward set to be an integral part of the new-look Saints.