JONNY Lomax’s displacement from full back to accommodate Ben Barba should not affect his chances of making the England World Cup squad.

Lomax was England's number one in the Four Nations - but faces stiff competition there from Zak Hardaker and Sam Tomkins, who is only just re-discovering some of his pre-NRL form.

But Lomax's versatility could still be an asset to the squad for the tournament Down Under.

Coach Justin Holbrook says he has already spoken with England boss Wayne Bennett about the matter ahead of him switching Lomax back into the halves.

Lomax had to show his versatility again last Thursday, slotting in at the centres after the late withdrawal of Ryan Morgan, and he came up with the winning try.

He is expected to go back to stand off this week, should Ryan Morgan pass his head check and return to the side.

Holbrook praised Lomax’s willingness to adapt for the team.

He said: “I have to thank him for that.

“It is all about putting the team first and he did that, moving positions without training there.

“He got the job done, and ended up scoring the match-winning try although he was at five-eighth at the time with Theo at lock...we came up with something.

“It was good to see the self-belief. We had to throw a fair bit at them to get that try.

“It went through a lot of hands and even Regan Grace’s chase to put the full back under pressure for Jonny to chase up and score. Everyone contributed and that is the reason why we are still alive.”

Lomax has sacrificed his spot at one in order to allow Barba to settle into his favoured position.

Holbrook said: “It is not tough for Jonny. He actually prefers to play in the halves.

“I gave Wayne Bennett a ring and told him I was going to move Jonny from full back but hope it doesn’t jeopardise his spot.

“He (Bennett) said not at all. He thinks he can play anywhere if needed.

“For Jonny it has not disrupted him.

“He obviously does not want to keep moving around, which I understand that.

“The best utility players don’t want to be that. if you look at Mitch Aubusson at the Roosters - he gets moved all the time.

“Mitch prefers back row, but one minute he is centre, then wing and then back row.

“Jonny did that for us last Thursday.”