Jonny Lomax, the celebrated stalwart of St Helens Rugby League, has confirmed that he will retire from professional play at the conclusion of the 2026 Super League campaign. The announcement, made public on Tuesday, brings to a close a remarkable two‑decade tenure with the club, during which he became one of its most recognizable and respected figures. Lomax’s final season has already been marked by a serious injury. He suffered a fractured jaw in the Saints’ June clash with the Warrington Wolves, an incident that has kept him out of the squad ever since.
Despite the setback, his career statistics speak for themselves: 388 first‑team appearances, five Grand Final victories, a Challenge Cup triumph, and a World Club Challenge title. Those achievements place him among the most decorated players in the club’s modern era. On the international stage, Lomax earned four caps for Great Britain and eleven for England.
His most memorable moment in a England shirt came in the 2017 Rugby League World Cup final, where he helped the team reach the showdown against Australia. Although the Lions fell short, Lomax’s performance cemented his reputation as a world‑class centre and a reliable leader. The decision to retire was communicated through a heartfelt Instagram post. In his own words, Lomax wrote: "At the end of 2026, I will call time on my playing career.
This was something I always planned, and those closest to me have always been aware of it. Over the last 20 years [18 professionally], I have been able to live out a boyhood dream. Achieving far more than I could ever have imagined.
Representing and captaining my hometown club and, of course, the pinnacle, representing England and Great Britain. I will retire at the age of 36, grateful for the life the game has given me, knowing I have given it everything I could, with the scars to prove it [19 operations, including 12 knee ops by the age of 26]. Despite this, I still feel lucky. For those that have supported me throughout it all...
I hope I have been able to do you proud." The post reveals a man who has always been aware of the finite nature of a sporting career, yet who also views his journey as a fulfillment of a lifelong aspiration. From a young boy kicking a ball in the streets of St Helens to captaining the very club that nurtured his talent, Lomax’s narrative is one of perseverance, loyalty, and community pride. Lomax’s injury list is staggering: by the age of 26 he had already undergone twelve knee operations, and by the time he steps away from the game he will have endured a total of nineteen surgical procedures. These figures underscore the physical toll that elite rugby league exacts on its athletes, and they highlight Lomax’s extraordinary resilience.
Even with such a demanding medical history, he continued to perform at the highest level, contributing to the Saints’ sustained success. St Helens themselves sit in a precarious position in the league table as the season draws to a close.
Currently on 28 points, they occupy seventh place—just outside the playoff zone—with three matches remaining. To secure a postseason berth, they must overtake at least one of the teams ahead of them: Hull KR (sixth, 30 points), Leigh Leopards (fifth, 32 points) or Wakefield Trinity (fourth, 32 points).
The pressure is mounting, and Lomax’s impending departure adds an emotional layer to the club’s final push. Meanwhile, the race for the championship is already taking shape.
Leeds Rhinos sit atop the standings, while Wigan Warriors and Warrington Wolves, both on 38 points, are locked in a battle for the second spot, with point differential serving as the tie‑breaker. Those two clubs have already locked in playoff spots, leaving St Helens to fight for the remaining places.
Fans can follow every Super League fixture live on Sky Sports, which will broadcast two matches per round exclusively, with the remaining five fixtures available on Sky Sports+. The league also offers a streaming option for those without a traditional TV contract, ensuring that supporters can keep up with the action regardless of their viewing preferences.
Beyond the immediate drama of the season, Lomax’s retirement will have a lasting impact on the Saints’ future planning. As a player who has spent his entire professional life wearing the red and white, his departure creates a void both on the field and in the locker room.
The club will need to identify a successor who can fill the leadership gap and continue the tradition of excellence that Lomax helped to establish. In reflecting on his career, Lomax emphasized gratitude. He acknowledged the countless individuals—family, teammates, coaches, and fans—who have supported him through triumphs and tribulations alike.
His message to supporters is simple yet profound: he hopes his efforts have made them proud. That sentiment resonates deeply with a community that has watched him grow from a local lad into an international star. As the 2026 season approaches its climax, the rugby league world will watch not only the outcome of the league but also the final chapter of Jonny Lomax’s storied journey.
Whether St Helens clinches a playoff spot or not, Lomax’s legacy is already secured: a career defined by dedication, resilience, and an unwavering love for the game. His retirement will mark the end of an era, but it will also inspire the next generation of players who dream of following in his footsteps. For those wishing to relive Lomax’s greatest moments, highlights are available across various platforms, and the Bench podcast with Jenna and Jon frequently discusses his contributions to the sport.
As the final whistle blows on his playing days, Jonny Lomax will forever remain a beloved figure in St Helens and a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, passion, and an unbreakable bond with one’s hometown club.