St Helens half-back Luke Walsh has dropped the strongest hint yet that he will return home to Australia at the end of this season: but says no decision has yet been finalised over his future.
Walsh is out of contract at the end of this season, and has recently been linked with a move home as speculation continues to rumble on about his plans for 2017.
And, speaking exclusively to League Express in this Monday’s paper, Walsh admitted that he has “a few options” back home when asked about what is next for him.
However, he said no decision has yet been made.
“I’ve got a few things happening back home, mate,” he said. “I’ve got to make a decision in the next couple of weeks and we’ll go from there.
“There’s a few options, I’ve got a few clubs and I’ve just got to make the right decision for me and my family.”
Irrespective of what happens next year, Walsh is eyeing a successful end to 2016 to make up for the personal heartbreak of two years ago.
After playing such an instrumental role in their title-winning campaign of 2014 before suffering a serious leg injury, Walsh was forced to watch from the stands as the Saints lifted the Grand Final at Old Trafford.
And the half-back insists that “bittersweet” moment is driving him to experience the Grand Final for real this time.
He said: “I’ve got lots of motivation to win something given everything that happened two years ago.
“The way that season finished for the team was incredible, but for me personally it was devastating.
“Watching them lift the title at Old Trafford was incredible and I want to get back there and hopefully taste it and savour it myself. It was a little bit bittersweet but I was so happy for the boys that were leaving.
“These last few weeks have been incredibly frustrating; it’s great to be back out there and get the combinations with the likes of JT and Jonny going straight away once again. It’s important for us to be in sync coming up to the play-offs.”