BACK-to-back Super League Grand Final winning stand-off Jonny Lomax will remain a Saint until at least the end of the 2024 season after agreeing a two-year extension to his current contract.
Billinger Lomax, who last week was hailed as Saints' best attacking player by coach Kristian Woolf, has been a one-club man since emerging through the Saints Academy.
The 30-year-old England international, who has developed into a real team leader, was pleased to get his future in the red vee confirmed.
He said: “I am delighted. I have been at the club for a long time now and to sign that two-year extension to my existing deal is great.
“I want to show the loyalty the club has shown me as well as the support the fans have given me over the years.
"It's a dream come true to be at the club for so long.
“I signed for the Scholarship back when I was 11-years-old and this contract will take me up to nearly 25 years affiliation with the Club.
READ: Jonny Lomax's St Helens journey from 11-year-old to team leader>
“That is something I would have never have dreamed of especially after the back to back ACL injuries, which was my third overall, so to now get to where I am today and potentially finish my career here is fantastic."
Chairman Eamonn McManus paid tribute to Lomax’s skill, bravery and resilience – with the former Orrell St James player being a key component of Saints’ back-to-back Super League success.
And he expects more to come from one of the real smart players in the Saints spine.
McManus said: “Jonny has been one of the star players at St Helens and in Super League for a dozen seasons now, but I believe that his best is still yet to come.
“It’s therefore fantastic news for all concerned that he’s extended his contract and committed to his hometown club and to the Super League competition until the end of 2024.
“During both his academy years and in time the first team squad Jonny has had to face and overcome serious injuries which would have finished lesser men; however, his bravery, resilience, and strength of character to overcome these has in turn been reflected in his record of success in the field, both at club and international levels.
“It is no coincidence that the recent years of success of the club have coincided with the consistent form and performances of Jonny.
“We are lucky to have him and I’m confident that he’ll be at the forefront of more success at the Saints in the years ahead.”
Head Coach Woolf also paid a glowing tribute to the Saints number 6, who has tackled the new season strongly – earning maximum Steve Prescott Man of Steel points in round one against Salford.
“Jonny is a cornerstone of what St Helens is as a club.
“He is a real key player for us and along with the likes of James Roby, he is one of the blokes who sets the example in the way he trains and prepares himself for every game.
“He sets the culture and example for others to follow and is a big part of the team and it is really exciting for everyone that he is going to be with us for a number of years to come.”
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