Walmsley on what it means

Big Al is up for the famous Good Friday Derby, and it doesn’t get much bigger than this in Rivals Round!

It's a rivalry steeped in history between two of the sport's heavyweights. Only Billinge Hill separates both St Helens and Wigan and it’s that time of year once again when one team will cross the divide to face the other.

Come Friday afternoon, the Warriors will host their arch-rivals at a sellout Brick Community Stadium – in their annual Good Friday fixture, and it’s one that always captures the attention of the sporting world.

Their tradition is without a doubt a genuine highlight of the rugby league calendar, and with both sides currently occupying 3rd and 4th in the Betfred Super League table, it’s going to be truly magnificent.

“Everything I would say would be cliché trying to give this game an introduction,” said Saints stalwart Alex Walmsley, who has proudly represented the Red V since 2013.

“This game is well renowned for all the obvious reasons.”

Walmsley has featured in a staggering 27 derbies against the Warriors throughout his career, but the passion, pride and adrenaline that comes to light in these matches are eternal and ever-lasting.

And according to Walmsley, there’s always an added feeling associated with the Easter period:

“I’m really excited for Good Friday - we always are as a town.

“We always look forward to Good Friday and this year we’re coming over the hill to Wigan and playing in an incredible game in front of a packed-out crowd.

“It’s something that you can’t quite describe. The electricity and the atmosphere that comes with it is incredible.

“In the middle it’s fierce, it’s fast, it’s brutal and it’s physical and I’m sure this week will be no different.”

Saints are five wins from seven in 2025 and are currently chasing down the Warriors in the league table. They are level on points with their league rivals with ten points apiece, although are behind on points difference.

Walmsley believes his side are building week on week, however:

“We’ve lost two big games [against Hull KR and Warrington Wolves], but we’ve been competitive in those games. I think the difference between where we are this year to where we were last year – we were losing games, and this was without being competitive.

 “We’ve haven’t got quite a few results we wanted, and it’s been disappointing, but it’s not lost on us as players. I think the performances have been there.

“We’re still transitioning as a team with new players, coaches and combinations and that was always going to take some bedding in.

“Those performances are becoming more and more fine-tuned and once we keep finding those little wins, little margins and getting better each week, I’ve got no doubt in my mind that we’re going to be more competitive this year and challenging for silverware.”

And it’s set to be an sensational showdown between the former champions and the current champions, with Saints aiming to secure back-to-back Good Friday wins over their rivals.

Paul Wellens’ men pulled off an emphatic 12-4 victory last Easter Weekend at the Totally Wicked Stadium, but will have make the short trip away in this year's Rivals Round.

The stakes are high - for not only bragging rights, but a chance to leapfrog their nearest and dearest in the table. Likewise, Wigan have the chance to go two points clear of their opponents.

And Walmsley, who’s enjoyed a stellar career both domestically and internationally, is still going strong for St Helens:

“My position right now is that I’m fit, healthy and able to play week in week out. I’m happy with how I’m playing, and my job hasn’t changed in the 13 years that I’ve been at the club.

“I keep carrying the ball strong, get down and play the ball so that the likes of Jack Welsby, Tristan Sailor and Jonny Lomax can create opportunities and score tries.

“There is always room for improvement but for me I want to remain fit and keep performing.

With Good Friday almost upon us and goosebumps pending from an electrifying atmosphere, Walmsley has called on the travelling Saints fans:

“Saints fans bring the noise. Just like you always do. With the away following that we’ve got - we can create that home atmosphere at an away ground.”

Which side will emerge victorious?

Are you ready for Rivals Round?

Wigan Warriors will welcome St Helens to The Brick Community Stadium in their famous Good Friday tradition as Rivals Round (Round 8) takes place live on Sky Sports.

All six games across Rivals Round will be broadcasted LIVE and information regarding dates, venues and kick-off times can be found here.

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