I'M WALMING TO THE CHALLENGE

New era for Saints but prop star Alex relishing battle to get Super League title back

- DAVE CRAVEN

ST HELENS star Alex Walmsley is ready to embrace no longer being a reigning Super League champion and drive on to new heights.

The England prop helped Saints win an unprecedented four titles in a row.

But their dominance was finally ended by Catalans in last year's semis and archrivals Wigan were crowned the new kings.

Given legendary captain James Roby (right, inset top) has retired, along with fellow Grand Final winners Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook (inset, middle) and Will Hopoate (inset, bottom), some reckon Saints' time is up.

But Walmsley, 33, argues otherwise and is relishing the new campaign kicking off against the promoted London Broncos on February 16. He admitted: "It is a new challenge for us - the first time in four years we're not going in as champions.

"We've had a few notable retirees last year and some massive personalities in the team are no longer here.