SAINTS boss Keiron Cunningham hailed Jonny Lomax as the best full back in Super League after he once again was at his creative best during the 40-16 win over Castleford.

After understandably taking a couple of games to get going on his return to action after a 14 month absence following a second knee reconstruction, Lomax’s form since June has been one of the key elements of Saints’ revival.

And although media pundits speculate on the choice of England full back being between out-of-form Sam Tomkins and speedy Challenge Cup winner Jamie Shaul, Cunningham believes his man has what it takes to be the country’s number one.

Cunningham said: “Jonny is the best full back in the comp hands down and I am not just saying that because he plays for Saints.

“If he was at another club I’d say the same.

“I enjoy watching good back threes and it is something we work exceptionally hard on at Saints.

“Full back play nowadays is so intense and specified. It is a tough position to play, it is no longer just the bloke who makes the try saving tackles.

“You have to organise your front line, set your back three and turn up on all the plays and support.

“If you are asking for a complete full back, Jonny Lomax ticks every one of those boxes.”

Lomax endured two horrendous seasons on the sidelines after serious knee injuries in 2014 and 2015 put his career on hold just as he was beginning to come under the radar of the England selectors.

The 26-year-old Billinger has produced a series of confident and mature displays on both sides of the ball since his return - and it is almost like having a new signing.

“Jonny is Saints through and through. He has been through some dark days. Nobody is happier than me to see Jonny running around,” he said.