Lachlan Walmsley is potentially in the most unique position of all. A Super League Grand Final winner with Wakefield Trinity and without a contract for 2027.
Walmsley was part of the Wakefield side that made history with their 23-10 victory over Warrington Wolves in the Super League Grand Final to become only the sixth winners of the competition.
It ended a 58-year top-flight trophy drought for a side that have gone through everything Super League has had to offer. From at one point struggling to keep the lights on, they are now at the top of the sport.
During that game, winger Walmsley came up with an audacious no-look flick pass to set up Wakefield’s opening try for Cam Scott. It was his farewell to a club that have given him so much.
Wakefield took the lead against Warrington after an incredible pass from Walmsley set up Cameron Scott in the corner
Prior to living out his dream, Walmsley made a handful of appearances in the second division of Australian rugby before deciding to chase the dream on the other side of the world.
He gambled on a move to the UK with Championship side Whitehaven before joining Halifax Panthers were he scored 68 tries in 54 games and earned recognition.
That caught the eye of Wakefield as they entered the Championship following their relegation in 2023. It was Walmsley’s first full-time contract.
Three seasons later, he is a Grand Final champion.
Wakefield scored two quick-fire tries to take complete control
But now, once emotions subside his focus will have to turn to trying to get a contract for next season. Part of Walmsley’s problem is he takes up a quota spot for clubs.
“Hopefully something will come through in the next couple of weeks,” Walmsley said.
“I have already had a dig at both Matt (Ellis) and Powelly (Daryl Powell) and said surely one more year won’t hurt.
“I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it. I have kind of put it in the back of my mind because, obviously, the Grand Final’s coming up.
“I will leave it to my agent and see what he can get. I have got a good mate in France who wants me to come play there. I might go play a bit, but we’ll see what happens.
“If I wasn’t on a quota spot, I’d probably get a few offers. It is just because I’m a quota. It just is what it is, isn’t it?”
Wakefield closed in on a Grand Final win after a fabulous try to extend their lead
Despite the uncertainty around his future, Walmsley knows he is a perfect example of someone taking a leap, putting the work in, and it paying off.
“Obviously chase your dreams and anything can happen. A bit of luck involved, but you take what you get,” Walmsley added.
“Coming from Whitehaven and then Halifax for a couple of years and just to be here now and have that ring on my finger.
“As a team we had a lot of belief.”
Whatever happens, Walmsley will forever be one of Wakefield’s immortals.
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