St Helens head coach Paul Wellens admits he hasn’t decided what role Alex Walmsley will play on Thursday night against Salford Red Devils. Walmsley has been named in Saints’ 21-man squad to take on Salford at the Totally Wicked Stadium after spending the last four months on the sidelines through knee and hamstring injuries.
Since his last outing against Warrington Wolves in the Challenge Cup in April, the prop has had surgery on his knee and has been working hard to make a return to action before the end of the season. That return has come a few weeks ahead of schedule with Walmsley joining the likes of Morgan Knowles and Tommy Makinson in the fold, who have spent time alongside him in the club’s treatment room of late.
Wellens, though, doesn’t know whether he’ll look to start the England international on Thursday as St Helens look to build momentum once more by claiming a huge victory over a play-off rival.
“He’s a bit ahead of schedule is Alex,” Wellens said. “He’s done a brilliant job in rehab and he’s very diligent in his work and he’s had to be for quite a lengthy period. It’s great to welcome back into the squad a player of Alex’s calibre and I’m sure he’ll give everyone a lift.
“We’ve been patient and we made the best decision for Alex’s long-term health. He’s had the surgery and his knee is is a much better place than what it was.”
Asked whether Walmsley will start against Salford or come off the bench, the Saints boss added: “Both options are available. I’m yet to make a decision. Alex has always been comfortable starting but also during his career there has been times when he has come off the bench as well. I’ll make a call on that in the next 24 hours.
“I think it was the Warrington Challenge Cup game that was his last appearance and that was some time ago now. He’s raring to go and that’s testament to him and how hard he’s worked in rehab that he’s managed to bring himself back a couple of weeks sooner than anticipated.”
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