Lachlan Walmsley is potentially in the most unique position of all. Winner of the Super League Grand Final with Wakefield Trinity and out of contract until 2027.
Walmsley was part of the Wakefield side that made history with their 23-10 win over Warrington Wolves in the Super League Grand Final, becoming only their sixth winner of the competition.
It ended a 58-year top-flight trophy drought for a side that has been through everything Super League has to offer. Struggling to keep the lights on from one spot, they are now at the pinnacle of the sport.
During that game, winger Walmsley came up with a bold-looking pass to set up Wakefield’s opening try for Cam Scott. He said goodbye to a club that gave him so much.
Before realizing his dream, Walmsley made a few appearances in the second division of Australian rugby before deciding to chase his dream on the other side of the world.
He gambled on a move to the UK with Championship side Whitehaven before joining Halifax Panthers, scoring 68 tries in 54 games and gaining recognition.
It caught Wakefield’s eye when they entered the Championship in 2023 after relegation. It was Walmsley’s first full-time contract.
After three seasons, he becomes the Grand Final champion.
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Wakefield scored two quickfire attempts to take full control
But now, after his emotions have subsided, he will have to focus on trying to get a contract for next season. Part of Walmsley’s problem is that he has a quota of places for clubs.
“Hopefully something will happen in the next couple of weeks,” Walmsley said.
“I’ve already had a dig at both Matts [Ellis] and Powelly [Daryl Powell] and said it wouldn’t hurt another year.
“I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it. I’ve kind of put it to the back of my mind because obviously the Grand Final is coming up.
“I’ll leave it to my agent and see what he can get. I’ve got a good friend in France who wants me to play there. I might go and play a bit, but we’ll see what happens.
“If I wasn’t in a quota place, I’d probably get a few offers. It’s just because I’m a quota. That’s what it is, right?”
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Wakefield won the Grand Final after an incredible effort to extend their lead
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Walmsley knows he’s the perfect example of someone who took the leap, got down to business and got results.
“Obviously follow your dreams and anything can happen. There’s a bit of luck involved, but you take what you get,” added Walmsley.
“I came 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 confidence.”
Regardless, Walmsley will always remain one of Wakefield’s immortals.