Jonny Lomax shows effort, hard work and enthusiasm in the scrum half role (From St Helens Star)

Jonny Lomax shows effort, hard work and enthusiasm in the scrum half role

6:40am Friday 14th September 2012 in Latest News By Mike Critchley

JONNY Lomax gave himself a personal confidence booster against Wigan when his neat one-two with Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook created the chance to score Saints’ last try at the DW Stadium.

It has been a tough year for Lomax with even greater expectation placed upon his young shoulders after confidently filling the boots hastily vacated by Kyle Eastmond in 2011.

Although he has enjoyed a solid enough season - effective enough to retain his place in the Elite England squad - he has found himself under the microscope more this term as the reality of carrying the big weight that comes with wearing that iconic number seven jersey has hit home.

Lomax may not quite yet be the finished article if placed in comparison to Sean Long in his pomp, but his coach Mike Rush believes critics should take into account his age before judging too harshly.

Rush said: “Jonny is 21 years of age, playing in the scrum half row for only his second season. Many players change positions in their careers from when they are kids to when they become seniors. He is still learning. The good thing about Jonny is he shows plenty of effort and enthusiasm and always tries hard.

“Look at Sean Long at 21 and then compare him to how he played at 27, likewise look at Thomas Leuluai at Jonny’s age and compare it to way he is playing now on his way back to the NRL. There is a big difference.

“Jonny is one for the future, but there is a lot of pressure on him at the minute to be one for the present as well.”

He expects Lomax to stay at seven in the future - without wishing to pre-judge what Nathan Brown will do next season.

“Nathan will pick his own team next year, but in the British game there are not a lot of half backs knocking about, so it is not easy to keep swapping sixes and sevens.”