St Helens ‘Mr Consistent’ praised as Eddie Hemmings left flabbergasted over Man of Steel omissions
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com.
Former Sky Sports commentator Eddie Hemmings has been left astonished at the fact that St Helens star Jonny Lomax has never been crowned Man of Steel throughout his career.
Lomax, 32, has played an influential part in St Helens’ recent success, helping the side create history by claiming their fourth successive Grand Final triumph last season.
He enjoyed his breakthrough year in 2011, having made his debut against Wakefield two years prior, and has been hailed as Mr Consistent by expert Hemmings.
The England international has made 308 appearances for Saints, and enjoyed a testimonial year in 2019, leading the side to their first of four consecutive wins at Old Trafford that season.
Lomax has been named in the Super League Dream Team on four occasions, topping the charts for try assists in 2020 with 21, and was nominated for Man of Steel in 2021.
However, the veteran has never won the most prestigious individual Super League award, which was named in Steve Prescott’s memory in 2014.
“I can’t understand why Jonny Lomax has never been the Man of Steel!”
“I can’t understand why Jonny Lomax has never been the Man of Steel because he’s so consistent,” Hemmings said on the latest episode of Betfred’s The Last Tackle.
“Ever since he came into that side, he has been absolutely 100% committed and consistent.
“He’s brilliant and I’m full of admiration for St Helens.”
The former Sky Sports rugby league expert also shared his admiration for St Helens star Jack Welsby, who is already a hot prospect following his displays in Super League and the World Club Challenge.
“Outstanding,” Hemmings said of the England international.
“Absolutely outstanding.
“He’s lucky he’s got some great professionals around him like James Roby, in his last season. What a way for him to go out and he’s playing as well as ever. He looks like he could go on for another 10 or 12 years, but I know he said this is it.
“But he’s [Welsby] got some great professionals around him who give him the right sort of messages.”
Welsby, 22, is on contract with the reigning Super League and World Club Challenge champions until the end of 2025, but has been attracting attention from the NRL following his stellar performances for the Saints.
An unnamed NRL CEO previously told the Daily Telegraph: “Welsby would make it out here. A lot of English backs don’t make the transition to the NRL but he would do it successfully.
“Welsby would be a great signing for a club with a full-back near the end of his career in two, three years’ time.”
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