SAINTS and England half back Jonny Lomax has signed a new four-year contract to keep him at the club until the end of the 2022 season.

The former Orrell St James junior has been with the club for more than 10 years, after progressing from the Saints academy set-up, making his first team debut in 2009.

Equally adept at full back, where he starred in the autumn test series, Lomax has made 190 appearances for the Saints, scoring 89 tries and 103 goals.

Lomax said: “Obviously I am made up to have re-signed for the team I have supported and followed from a young age in the stands.

"Growing up, it was a dream to play for the club and I have been able to live that dream for the last 10 years, culminating in a testimonial, and will now be able to continue it for a further three years.

"My career has had its up and downs, but hopefully we can now add to the good times in the pursuit of trophies this year and beyond as we look to build on 2018.

"It’s great committing to the club following Robes and Tommy last week. It is a sign of how close the group is in pursuit of a common goal – trophies.

"Hopefully there are more to follow suit.

"I’m really happy to be a part of this great group and the more we can keep it together the better it will be moving forward.”

Saints Chairman Eamonn McManus welcomed the news Lomax has extended his current deal to 2022.

He said: "Jonny has been with the club man and boy and is an outstanding rugby league talent.

"He has overcome a number of very serious injuries during his career, which would have finished a lesser person. It’s therefore all the more satisfying that he’s now an established England international and a key member of the Saints team.

"Coming hard on the heels of new deals for James Roby and Tommy Makinson, it further illustrates the club’s strategic priority to retain international class talent which has been produced by our academy.

"This is also further great news for Super League, which is undoubtedly improving the quality of its competition in 2019 and beyond.”

Saints coach Justin Holbrook believes Lomax's best years are ahead him - and sees a determined player already at the beginning of this season, his testimonial year.

"Jonny is coming into his best years as a rugby league player.

"He looks very determined, as ever, to have a big season after a terrific year last year.

"He is a very hard worker and a deep thinker of the game.

"He is an absolute professional how he goes about his business and it’s another great boost to have such a quality player commit to the club long-term,” Holbrook said.