Wigan Warriors missed out on signing of highly-rated Australian

There was a time during the 2021 Super League season that one name seemed to be on a number of clubs’ list given his incredible form.

That man was of course Whitehaven’s Lachlan Walmsley, who instead signed for the Halifax Panthers ahead of the 2022 Championship season.

But, a deal with a top flight club was almost signed, according to The Full Eighty Minutes podcast.

The podcast, which includes rugby league agent Craig Harrison – or Show Me The Money UK – and Bradford Bulls reporter The Game Caller – revealed that Walmsley almost signed for Wigan Warriors.

The Panthers, however, got their man and he has been in scintillating form in 2022 as he continues to outline his Super League credentials.

However, those on the podcast revealed that Walmsley – an Australian winger – should have a number of suitors following his remarkable form in 2022 so far.

“They’ve (Halifax) got a direct running game, they’ve got support players all over and then Lachlan Walmley who went 80-90 metres with a couple of intercepts,” The Game Caller said.

“When I watched him on the scene at Whitehaven you just knew this kid from South Sydney deserves a chance.

“When I spoke to Lachlan in the off-season, the deal with Wigan was that close and Halifax have got a job to keep hold of him because of his performances.”

The Panthers are currently enjoying a stellar season in the Championship once more, sitting pretty in fourth just behind Batley Bulldogs. In fact, Fax sit just five points behind Featherstone Rovers in second, despite the spending power of their West Yorkshire rivals being a lot greater.

It remains to be seen if Walmsley would turn down another move to Super League if one club does come calling, but, for now the Panthers have a real gem on their hands that can cause some damage in the Championship play-offs.