Saints’ Walmsley set for Grand Final

Walmsley moved from Batley to Saints following a hugely successful season in the Championship in 2012.

Batley coach John Kear had spotted the Dewsbury Celtic amateur playing for Leeds Met University and handed him a chance in the professional game.

Walmsley proved a revelation and was named in the Championship All Stars team that season before signing a three-year deal at Saints.

Walmsley made such an impact at the Bulldogs that he was named in a supporters’ team of the decade earlier this year.

He made 25 substitute appearances in his first season at St Helens and has been a key figure in them winning the League Leaders Shield this time.

The 24-year-old has made 20 appearances for Saints this season and a further four off the bench.

He was sent off in Saints final league game against Huddersfield and served a one-match ban in the play-off victory over Castleford Tigers but returned for last week’s 30-12 semi-final win over Catalan Dragons and is expected to feature in the Grand Final.