England prop, 33, knows his side – champions for so long – are now second best going into the traditional Good Friday derby
St Helens star Alex Walmsley admits Wigan are Super League’s best – but his side aim to change all that.
Given the clubs’ fierce rivalry, it must be hard conceding being No2. And Saints won four successive titles before being ousted by Wigan last year. They host the champions in the sold-out traditional Good Friday derby.
England prop Walmsley, 33, said: “I wouldn’t say we’re going out to make a point. I think we’re going up against the best team in the competition. They won Super League last year, had a great result in the World Club Challenge, and have obviously improved and strengthened from last season.
“It’s a really big challenge for us but a challenge that excites us. More often than not, these Good Friday games are great spectacles. The atmosphere’s going to be incredible and we’ve arguably the two best teams in the comp’ going at each other. We can’t wait to show what we can do.”
Asked about Wigan’s progress, Walmsley added: “They were the best team last year, finishing top and then going on to win Super League. We’re still early in the season but they are a great side. The strike they have in the backfield in particular is obviously really challenging to defend against. They are a champion side.”
But Saints are moving through the gears nicely with back-to-back wins against Leeds and they also have England centre Mark Percival returning from suspension for the derby. Former Golden Boot winner Tommy Makinson could also return along with scrum-half Lewis Dodd. Meanwhile, Walmsley has vowed not to put boot to ball again after the big front-row – more renowned for his barrelling charges – randomly tried an audacious grubber in the first win over Leeds, his 250th Super League appearance.
He joked: “That’s gone. It was a one in 250th game moment and I’ll have to wait another 250 games before I do it again! t was on. But it was poorly executed. Wello [boss Paul Wellens] reminded me of what my lane is and my lane is carrying the ball and working in defence. That’s what I’ll stick to now.”
