Rugby League
Walmsley calls for Saints to lay down marker
St Helens prop Alex Walmsley says his side must lay down a marker during Friday's top-of-the-table clash with Warrington Wolves.
The top two in this season's Super League will meet in front of a bumper crowd at the Halliwell Jones Stadium, with table-toppers Saints looking to open up an eight-point gap between themselves and the Wolves.
Saints convincingly won 38-12 when the two sides met at the Totally Wicked Stadium in April and England international Walmsley feels his side can signal their intent once again by recording another victory on Friday.
"It's not just another derby. There's a lot more to it now," Walmsley told the St Helens Reporter. "It's first versus second and an opportunity to put a marker down for the rest of the campaign."
The 29-year-old is certainly not underestimating Warrington, however, as he believes alongside St Helens, they have been the most impressive team in Super League this term.
"We are coming up against a quality outfit. They have been fantastic all year," Walmsley added. "Along with ourselves, we've been the form teams of the season. They're sitting where they are for a reason and we're expecting a tough game. It is important we are fresh and ready to go."
Warrington versus St Helens is one of three Super League games taking place on Friday, with Wakefield Trinity playing host to Huddersfield Giants and Wigan Warriors welcoming Salford Red Devils to the DW Stadium.
Tom McGarry completed his sports journalist degree in 2011,and has since has become an integral part of the editorial and audio team. He is passionate about all things sport, particularly football, and is a lifelong supporter of his hometown club Carlisle United.
