ALEX WALMSLEY is targeting tomorrow’s trial clash against Huddersfield as a chance to stake a major St Helens claim for the rest of the Super League XVIII season.

The 22-year-old prop, who signed from Batley, admits he can’t wait to get some minutes under his belt and show Saints fans what he can do.

Walmsley will join established Super League players Willie Manu and Jordan Turner in making their Saints debuts tomorrow, with the duo having arrived from Hull FC.

Manu and Turner have already made a success of their top-flight careers, and Walmsley is determined to follow suit – by laying the foundations in his first Langtree Park run-out.

“This is obviously my first pre-season. It’s been tough and harsh, but also good at the same time,” he said.

“The lads and the coaching staff have been really welcoming, and that’s helped me make some big strides.

“I went from amateur to Batley, had a good season, and that was a massive shock to me. I then got picked up by Saints and I’m relishing getting going.

“I’m really excited about putting on a Saints shirt for the first time tomorrow night, and hopefully showing everyone I’ve got the potential to make it at Super League level.

“I know it’s going to be a tough start, because Huddersfield are a top side, but this is just the sort of challenge I need right now.

Walmsley is dual-registered with former club Batley in 2013 and could spend time back at Mount Pleasant as he looks to develop into a fully-fledged Super League player.

And if that’s the case, he could team up with some of the Giants players he will be facing tomorrow night.

With Huddersfield and Batley having now established an official link, it’s expected some of the Giants youngsters will have spells playing for the Bulldogs during the 2013 Championship campaign.

Walmsley would be happy spending time back with his first professional club and playing alongside the young Giants, although he’s obviously hoping regular Super League starts become the order of the day.

“There’s a great bunch of lads at Batley and it wouldn’t be bad at all if I played with them again this season,” he added.

“But I know I want to get a few minutes under my belt and get into the Saints’ first team. That’s my main aim.”