St Helens legend Lomax to retire at end of season

St Helens have announced that longtime player Jonny Lomax will retire from the sport at the conclusion of this Super League season.

The 35-year-old has not played since suffering a fractured jaw in a June defeat to Warrington Wolves. Over his career he made 388 appearances for the club, helping it win five Grand Finals, one Challenge Cup and a World Club Challenge title.

Lomax made his debut for the club in March 2009 at age 18. He went on to earn four caps for Great Britain and 11 for England, including an appearance in the 2017 World Cup final against Australia.

Player's statement

Writing on the club's website, Lomax said the past 20 years allowed him to live out a boyhood dream, achieving more than he ever imagined, including representing and captaining his hometown club as well as playing for England and Great Britain.

He expressed gratitude for the people he met throughout his career and noted both memorable highs and difficult periods. Lomax added that he will retire at age 36, grateful for what the sport gave him, knowing he gave it everything he had — with the scars to prove it, having undergone 19 operations, including 12 on his knee, by the age of 26. He also thanked those who supported him throughout his career.

Club chairman Eamonn McManus described Lomax as among the bravest players in one of the toughest sports.

St Helens currently sit seventh in the Super League standings with three matches remaining in the regular season. The club trails reigning champions Hull KR by two points and will face them in the final regular-season match as it seeks to secure a top-six finish and a place in the play-offs.