Jonny Lomax: Half-back named St Helens captain and extends deal to 2026

Jonny Lomax is a one-club player like predecessor as captain James Roby

Long-serving half-back Jonny Lomax will take over the captaincy at St Helens for 2024, following the retirement of club legend James Roby, and has extended his deal until 2026.

The one-club 34-year-old has played 326 games for Saints since joining the club as an 11-year-old.

Lomax has won five Super League titles, a Challenge Cup and a World Club Challenge with the Red Vee.

"It's a no-brainer for me, the club means an awful lot to me," Lomax said.

"I'm proud to represent it. It was a dream come true because all I wanted to do was play for Saints when I was a kid, and I've achieved another dream in my career with the captaincy.

"Having that opportunity to be captain, potentially over the next three years, is something that I'm very proud of, and something that I hope to do justice as well."

The England and Great Britain international has endured tough times through his career, missing big games like the 2014 Grand Final through one of three anterior cruciate ligament injuries, but bounced back to become of the leading players in Super League.

His appointment as skipper means one life-long Saint passes the mantle onto another, as the club aims to regain their title after Wigan ended a four-year winning run in Super League.

"I'd love to walk out the team on a special occasion," Lomax added.

"Walking out the team at any time is special, but in the last few years in finals what James [Roby] has got to do over the last few years in finals must be a fantastic feeling. That's what we want to do."