“There was plenty of interest” in taking St Helens star to the NRL

Being the best in Super League, St Helens often have to deal with interest in their star players from the NRL.

Recently there has been talk of Joe Batchelor going down under whilst reports said Jack Welsby is on every NRL club’s radar.

There are some St Helens legends who are now towards the end of their career who it is surprising that they never had a crack at the NRL.

One of those is Alex Walmsley. However, it was revealed in today’s coverage of Penrith Panthers – who St Helens take on next week in the World Club Challenge – against Parramatta Eels in the Pre-Season challenge, it was revealed that “a few years ago” there were NRL clubs queuing up to sign him.

It was said that: “there was plenty of interest in him. Plenty of clubs were interested.”

Other St Helens stars have turned down the move in the past.

Tommy Maksinon has turned down NRL clubs in the past as has Morgan Knowles who explained why he turned down a move to the NRL in the past when speaking to Serious About Rugby League.

“I had the opportunity to go a few times when I have been negotiating a contract with a few clubs but I know what I have here,” he said.

“When I came into the team, I saw the environment and it is something I want to be a part of and to stay here has definitely been the right one especially with what we have achieved in recent years.

“We have a great competition over here, we have great teams and great players.

“I don’t know if the competition as a whole is as good but our top players are as good as theirs. They probably just have more depth and more money.

“We have a great competition over here. I am proud to play in Super League and England.”

Meanwhile, Makinson said: “There have been a couple of times when I have been close to going over there. In 2018, I was close to going over there.

“It was something that I saw myself doing but then things change with families and friends. For some it is a dream, but now I have had a testimonial at Saints and won all that I have, it has been a great time in my career.

“It was one of them where life is life. I am happy with what I have done here.”