Jonny Lomax says it is a dream to be given Sean Long's famous number seven shirt at St Helens.
Lomax hoping to follow in the footsteps St Helens legend Long
He may have spent two years filling in as a utility player, but Jonny Lomax is set to make a major impact in 2012 after establishing himself as St Helens' scrum-half.
Lomax made his Super League debut in 2009 at full-back, played as a centre in his first Grand Final appearance and has also started matches on both wings, at stand-off and at loose forward.
But after Kyle Eastmond was dropped in March for making an abusive gesture to Saints fans at the end of a shock home defeat by Harlequins, Lomax was given a chance to settle into his true position.
His stellar performances earned him Super League's young player of the year award for 2011 and the 21-year-old looks destined to wear Sean Long's old number seven for many years to come.
"To wear the shirt that Longy wore for 10 years or more, it's a bit of a dream really," Lomax said.
"Longy was a massive influence, he's done things you couldn't imagine other people doing.
"I was lucky enough to play with him in a few games. He's a genius, I learned so much from him even playing on the wing."
Impact
Lomax's impact was immediate after being put into the half-backs as he guided his team to a 30-16 win over Leeds at Headingley.
His impressive form culminated in a call-up to England coach Steve McNamara's elite training squad, although hopes of a full international debut were scuppered by an ankle injury prior to the Four Nations.
"The goal was 17 games and anything more was a bonus," he said at the time. "To be called into the squad was massive."
Lomax had set himself the goal of surpassing his 2010 appearance total of 16 but he went on to play in all but five of St Helens' 34 matches, including the Grand Final defeat by Leeds.
Although his England bow has been put on hold, he is firmly in contention to make the England team for the mid-season game against the Exiles next year.
St Helens coach Royce Simmons said: "Jonny is a great young talent and a pleasure to coach.
"He's already proven himself to be of international calibre and will grace the England team and St Helens for many years to come."
