Alex Walmsley reveals secret to getting even better – becoming a dad
ALEX Walmsley may seem hell bent on being the best – but the reason why is all child’s play.
For he believes becoming a dad and realising rugby league is not the be all and end all has made him even better.
The St Helens star turned down the chance to try his luck in the NRL as his family’s happiness was more important.
And while seeing sons Atticus and Cassius makes him realise there are more important things in life, that new attitude is bringing more out of him on the field.
Prop Walmsley, expected to come off the bench as Great Britain face Tonga in their first Test match in 12 years tomorrow, said: “I’ve got perspective on my life.
“I think before kids I was very much, ‘What’s best for Alex Walmsley? What’s best for my rugby league career?’
“You need that as a young up and coming player to make sure you reach the heights you need to reach.
“But I’ve got boys now who are dependant on me and I’ve got perspective from them.
“I’m as gutted as anyone when I lose a game but knowing I’ve got two little boys at home I’ll see changed my outlook on life.
“That’s not only me made me a better person but I think it’s improved me as a player.”
Walmsley, 29, is one of four St Helens stars to be lining up for the Lions, alongside Jonny Lomax, Luke Thompson and Lachlan Coote.
But try telling the full-back he should not be wearing the red, white and blue of Great Britain.
If he had not made the Lions’ tour, he would have been attempting to help Scotland to the next World Cup.
Coote is the sole representative from north of the border in Wayne Bennett’s squad to face Tonga, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.
His inclusion attracted criticism from some quarters as he was born and raised in New South Wales but his grandmother was born in Glasgow before moving to Australia as a 17-year-old.
And after committing to Scotland in 2016, he will be cheering them on against Serbia and Greece as they look to make the 2021 tournament.
Coote said: “Being picked for Great Britain is a great reward for the season I’ve had.
“I honestly didn’t know, though. There are a lot of great players in Super League and I didn’t know whether I was worthy to be in this team or not.
“But I put my hand up and gave myself every chance. I’m glad I’m here now.
“Had I not made Great Britain, I would’ve played for Scotland again. It would’ve been good to pull on the jersey again.
“We’ve got two World Cup qualifiers and we have to win them to be in it. Playing for Scotland in the 2016 Four Nations tournament was unreal.
“I don’t have much to do with grandma but I’ve spoken to my mum and I think all my relatives left the country. There’s a possibility there could be family there but I don’t yet know.”
Coote, 29, came to St Helens from NRL side North Queensland Cowboys and in his first year won the Super League title.
However, his stint over here has convinced him of two things already – the UK competition is better than he thought and clubmate Thompson, who starts at prop, is one of the best in the world.
He added: “It’s definitely been a better standard than I thought it would be. Before I came over, I didn’t watch much but it’s definitely exceeded my expectations.
“And Luke’s definitely up there with the best front rowers I’ve played with – and I’ve played with a few good ones!”
