Alex Walmsley admits he felt like an “imposter” for much of the early part of his Super League career.
Now, recognised as one of the world’s best props and with four Super League titles under his belt, he is preparing to mark 10 years at standard bearers St Helens.
Kristian Woolf’s champions will have their first run out of pre-season against Leigh Centurions tonight in a clash that doubles as Walmsley’s testimonial game. And for the towering 31-year-old it helps remind him of his unusual journey to the top.
Walmsley was still playing at his local amateur club in Dewsbury beyond his teenage years, having been overlooked by a host of top flight academies.
But wily coach John Kear saw his potential and took him to Batley Bulldogs, and after a stand-out season in the Championship his ability was spotted by Saints.
Walmsley explained: “To be honest I didn’t have a rugby league dream until I signed for St Helens.
“Not going through scholarships or academies or anything like that, it was never part of my destiny or dreams to be a professional rugby league player.
“I loved my time at Dewsbury Celtic in my amateur days and have some really fond memories of that, and being given the opportunity to go to Batley was huge.
“Then it was St Helens. There was always a feeling of I was a bit of an imposter, and that somebody was going to figure me out and I’d be back at Dewsbury Celtic.
“The first time I felt like I was a Super League player and I could make a career out of it, it was Good Friday in 2013 when Nathan Brown picked me against Wigan. That gave me the confidence and belief that I could have a career in the game..
“But thinking about it, there was still that feeling that I’d get a tap on the shoulder to say ‘come on mate, let’s get back to Dewsbury Celtic, you’ve had your fun’.
“Thankfully it’s worked out really well and I’m grateful to St Helens for giving me that opportunity in the first place.”
Walmsley believes his own story can act as an inspiration for others that have been overlooked as youngsters - and a warning to clubs that dismiss the amateur game.
He added: “As people and players we all develop at different speeds, and just because you don’t get opportunities at a scholarship or academy, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get them further down the line.
“I’d like to feel that I can be an example for clubs to keep taking note and not dismiss lads that don’t get those early foundations.
“Let’s be honest, our playing pool isn’t as big as other sports, so we shouldn’t be dismissive of players just because they’re from lower teams. We should keep our eyes out and give these lads opportunities.”
