Man of Steel Contenders: Jonny Lomax

St Helens could be forgiven if they suffered a minor blip in 2021. After the success of the past two seasons and a long-awaited Challenge Cup win earlier in the year, they could have well slowed down. 

But such is the mentality and culture that is bred at the club, they are going full steam ahead towards a historic threepeat. 

Their incessant winning culture is maintained by the likes of Jonny Lomax. Lomax is a competitor, a winner. He has faced huge amounts of adversity in his life and rugby career – but sheer perseverance and a drive to succeed has led him to rugby league stardom.

It can be easy to gloss over the high standards that Lomax upholds on the rugby field. He performs at such an accomplished level week in week out, that it can sometimes be taken for granted in such a star-studded St Helens team.

However, Lomax flew out the blocks in 2021 – he earned top Man of Steel points in five of St Helens eight opening matches, quickly ascending to the top of the Steve Prescott MBE Man of Steel leaderboard.

During those eight games, he set up 11 tries – he failed to contribute to a Saints try in just one of those contests. 

His class constantly shines through, and he never shies away from hard work. Lomax is a fearless leader – he is apt at taking the line on and doing the tough stuff in defence – a prerequisite in any St Helens team. 

A try, assist and that fend 😳@Saints1890's Lomax the showman against Giants 🔥 #SuperLeague pic.twitter.com/PXwRJpRzyv
— Betfred Super League (@SuperLeague) April 27, 2021

And he sets an example for any young player coming through. After his half back partner, Theo Fages suffered a season-ending injury during St Helens Challenge Cup Final victory in July, head coach Kristian Woolf put his trust in young Lewis Dodd.

The pressure for any young player taking a lead role in Super League, never mind for a champion team like St Helens, is enormous. But Dodd fitted in seamlessly. And he credits that to Lomax, who has helped him both on and off the field to develop not just his rugby league game, but his character as well.

“Jonny has been massive for me. There are times when he lets me organise and be the half back, but there’s also times when he knows he has to step in and be the leader of the team. He’s been massive for me on and off the field.??

???????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????????? ????????????????! 🔥@MarkPercival22 ??@lomax_1990 ??@engywalmsley ??@MorgsKnowles ??@jackwelsby_ ??#COYS

— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) September 26, 2021

Sometimes the stats don’t tell the full picture. Lomax finished with 14 try assists and 2 tries during his 17 appearances this season. But he has done so much more. He continues to drive St Helens forward and is an enigmatic role model at the club. 

He has an innate ability to help others shine, selflessly, whilst still ensuring the team are performing. Lomax has been the benchmark half back in Betfred Super League for several years now, and a Man of Steel award on Monday Night would be just rewards for years of tireless hard work.