Wakefield hero Walmsley chases new deal after Grand Final glory
Lachlan Walmsley lifted the Super League trophy with Wakefield Trinity on Saturday night with no club to go to next season.
The 28-year-old winger, the wide man trusted to finish attacks, is out of contract this winter. Wakefield have confirmed he will leave, and he hopes his performance in the Grand Final will earn him a fresh deal elsewhere BBC Sport.
It was quite a way to sign off. Wakefield beat Warrington Wolves 23-10 at Old Trafford on 3 October to become Super League champions for the first time BBC Sport. They led 19-0 at half-time and never let go. The win ended a 58-year wait to be champions again.
Walmsley shaped the opening score. He produced a flicked pass out wide to send centre Cameron Scott over for Wakefield's first try, the four-point touchdown for carrying the ball over the line. Trinity opened the scoring from that piece of play Sky Sports.
The Australia-born Scotland international joined Wakefield in the Championship for the 2024 season. He leaves with 47 tries in 61 appearances, a strike rate any winger would take.
Scott is on his way out too. The 26-year-old former Hull FC centre scored 23 tries in 55 games for Trinity. He agreed a deal in June to rejoin his hometown club Bradford Bulls at the end of the season.
For fans new to this, the Grand Final is league's one-off title decider. The team that tops the regular season does not automatically lift the trophy. The top sides go into the play-offs, and the two survivors meet at Old Trafford.
Wakefield reached that stage by beating Wigan to make their first Grand Final. Warrington stood in their way, themselves still chasing a first Grand Final win. Only five clubs had lifted the trophy before this year, so a new name was guaranteed.
What makes this stand out is the contrast. One dressing room celebrating a first title. Two of the men who made the first try already packing their bags.
Walmsley is without a contract for the 2027 season after the final Sky Sports. He has no deal lined up. He has a winner's ring and a showreel moment.
