Lomax and Percival bow out in style as St Helens beat Hull KR

St Helens closed out a disappointing Super League season with a commanding 36-12 win over Hull KR, with club legends Jonny Lomax and Mark Percival taking centre stage in their farewell appearances after trophy-laden careers with the club.

Lomax scored his first two tries of the campaign, while Percival crossed for his first, as the pair said goodbye to home supporters. Both were honoured before kick-off with golden lettering and numbers on their shirts marking their achievements, and were given a guard of honour by both teams as they walked out onto the pitch with their children.

Defending champions Hull KR fielded an inexperienced line-up, as coach Willie Peters chose to rest most of his regular starters ahead of the upcoming play-offs. The Robins' scratch team, featuring six teenagers and six debutants, competed well early on before Lomax and Percival took control.

In the 26th minute, Lomax set up Percival, who dived over to score. Eight minutes later the pair combined again in reverse, with Percival — after collecting the ball from Tristan Sailor — passing to Lomax, who touched down. Just before half-time, Lomax added a second try despite desperate defending from Hull KR.

The visitors hit back after the break, with Bill Leyland scoring four minutes into the second half and teenage debutant Flynn Holden following with a fine individual try in the 52nd minute, briefly making a contest of the game. But as Hull KR tired, Saints pulled clear again, with further tries from Deon Cross, Jacob Host and Harry Robertson sealing the final scoreline.

St Helens finish the season in seventh place, missing the play-offs for the first time in Super League's 30-year history — a result that has prompted changes at the club, including the departure of former Man of Steel winner Jackson Hastings following an underwhelming season. Sixth-placed Hull KR, who secured third place earlier by beating Toulouse, travel to Warrington next Saturday for a play-off eliminator.