Jonny Lomax enjoying St Helens and Wigan rivalry on and off the field
There’s more to the derby than just on the field for St Helens half-back Jonny Lomax.
Living in a Wigan postcode within St Helens council, there’s a mixture of supporters on Lomax’s home street.
To add to that fact that his father-in-law is a Wigan fan, there’s plenty to motivate Lomax to claim bragging rights on Good Friday.
Growing up a St Helens fan, Lomax played for Orrell St James in Wigan as a youngster, and Lomax says it’s a dream come true to represent his town.
Jonny Lomax on family dilemma
“Sat in the stands when I was younger, year on year I’d be there home or away,” Lomax told Love Rugby League. “Now obviously I get to do it as a player which is a dream come true.
“The mother-in-law is swaying a bit more towards Saints now. I don’t think she was an avid Wigan fan growing up. I think her family side was more St Helens, then she got married to her husband who is a Wigan fan. It’s a bit back and forth!
“My wife is a Saints fan really now. She wasn’t too bothered at first really.
“There’s always a bit of banter about it around home. Living in Billinge with a Wigan postcode and within St Helens council, it’s a funny one.
“Someone two doors down is a Wigan fan but thankfully most are St Helens fans.”
Wigan threats
It’s a battle of first versus second in Super League at the Totally Wicked Stadium. St Helens and Wigan have lost just one game so far this season, both losing in France to Toulouse and Catalans respectively.
Combined, the teams have scored 362 points – and St Helens hold the strongest defence so far, conceding just 50.
Lomax says his side are well aware of the threats their opposition pose.
“They’re looking fantastic at the minute and real dangerous,” said Lomax.
“They’re defending well for each other as well.
“In terms of attack, they’re looking electric with individuals in particular that are looking real sharp and definitely post a huge threat. We’ll have to try get our best to nullify them.”
In-form Jai Field
On Wigan full-back Field, Lomax added: “At the minute, he is electric. The pace that he poses and the confidence he’s playing with is huge. You add to that with Bevan French who is returning and you have two genuinely electric players that frighten teams.
“I’ve played with Batty (John Bateman) and Faz (Liam Farrell) and both of them are playing great too.
“I think for myself, someone I think every time I take the field against him, I think Tommy Leuluai continues to get better and better. He’s probably Wigan’s equivalent to our James Roby at the minute. The longevity and consistency that he has performed at is incredible.”
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