Aussie winger Lachlan Walmsley, 26, has done it the hard way playing with three Championship clubs before getting his shot at the big time with Wakefield
Working as a roofer and brickie, Wakefield’s Lachlan Walmsley knows all about hard graft.
And now all that toil is going to pay off as he grasps his Super League chance. The prolific Aussie winger arrived in the UK in 2021 after being given a shot by part-timers Whitehaven.
After starring for the Cumbrian club, the wideman produced even better stints in the Championship with Halifax and Trinity. Incredibly, the Scotland international averages more than a try per game having wracked up 110 in just 109 appearances over here.
People can’t say Walmsley doesn’t now deserve his shot at the elite. As promoted Wakefield prepare for their Super League return at Leeds, the 26 year-old admitted: “It’s always been my goal.
“I wanted to test myself against the best players in the UK and some of the best in the world. To finally get the chance it is a dream come true.
“I always backed my ability. Being a quota spot was the only issue pretty much stopping me. I had to go the longer, harder road to get here but to finally do so, it is crazy.
“I never got to play NRL. But Super League is the next best thing and I can’t wait.”
Walmsley played State of Origin Under 18s for New South Wales and was on the books of Newcastle Knights and South Sydney without quite making the cut. He said: “When I came over to Whitehaven, I helped an old fella – who’s now a good friend – with a bit of bricklaying.
“I’d do that during the day. But since I’ve been 17 I’ve always worked full-time. I had to do in the Under 20s and was a roofer back home. It does keep you grounded and some people have to go through the normal side of life chasing this dream.”
Now a full-professional, Walmsley scored 27 tries in 32 appearances to help Wakefield get promoted last year. In the previous two campaigns, he’d rattled off 68 in just 54 games for Halifax becoming joint-winner of the 2023 Championship Player of the Year.
Super League will be different but, with Tom Johnstone showing him the ropes after the England ace’s return from Catalans, Walmsley is confident of adjusting. He said: “Tommy will get his preferred side – whichever he wants!
“He’s the veteran now and he’s been there and killing it these last few years. Hopefully I can learn a few things from him, improve my game, start strong, and kick on for the rest of the year.
“Whether that’s under the radar or whatever, there’s no hiding out there. If I can have a good season, hopefully I resign here or sign elsewhere if Wakefield aren’t interested.”
