England coach Shaun Wane rings Alex Walmsley to heap praise on St Helens star

The marauding Yorkshireman has delivered some truly eye-catching displays since Super League resumed earlier this month, not least with a blockbusting effort against Leeds Rhinos where he continually swatted defenders away at will.

The 30-year-old has long since been one of the competition’s finest front-rows since emerging late to the top-flight via Batley Bullodgs, illustrated by his selection for both England and Great Britain.

But the Dewsbury-born player - one of the biggest forwards around - appears to have found a new level, flourishing under the ‘six again’ rule.

Wane - a former prop himself - has noted it especially after storming man-of-the-match performances against Leeds and Castleford Tigers.

“I phoned him the other day,” said the ex-Wigan Warriors chief.

“I don’t make many phone calls like that but I told him I was impressed.

“This rule I thought it could have broken him and he’s relished it.

“He’s carrying the ball strong, he’s doing the things I want him to do and if I was picking the team today he’d be in it.

“I told him that. I don’t keep information back.

“I tell everyone everything as much as I can. I’ve been very, very impressed with him.

“But there’s a massive improvement in him as well. You’ll be bored to death of me saying that but I genuinely think there is. I watch his game individually and he can make lots of improvements.”

After watching Catalans Dragons’ Sam Tomkins destroy Wakefield Trinity last weekend, he says the player he knows so well from his Wigan Warriors days is currently in prime position for the full-back role at the 2021 World Cup.

Wane said: “He’s at the front at the minute. He’s the form player isn’t he?

“He’s really really good. His vision… when you’re watching as a coach and you’re thinking they need to do this, Catalans do it at the right time as he’s just smart. He’s a smart lad.

“And I think his form is fantastic. But is there anyone else who can take over that and make sure they get picked. That’s what it’s all going to be about.”

Asked who else has been on his radar since games restarted, Wane added: “If I’m honest with you, I've been looking at England players within those games.

“So if it’s Catalans I’m watching it's who’s doing well from an England point of view.

“Obviously when I watched Wakefield versus Wigan, Tom Johnstone reminded me how tough he is.

“There’s some things that happened in that game but he kept on going and going and it’s just noticing small things.

“Obviously Tom Davies caught my eye.”

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James Mitchinson