JONNY LOMAX has admitted that his retirement felt somewhat bittersweet – but was happy to go out alongside another St Helens great in Mark Percival.
The pair both made their final appearances in Saints’ season-ending 36-12 home win against Hull KR.
It took halfback Lomax, 36, to a total of 391 club appearances, in which he’s scored 142 tries, 131 goals and seven field-goals.
For 32-year-old Percival, it was a 275th game for the Red Vee, and he closes with a record of 130 tries and 383 goals.
Both have played in four Super League Grand Final wins as well as a Challenge Cup triumph in 2021 and the World Club Challenge victory at Penrith Panthers in 2023.
The latter is Saints’ last piece of silverware, and this year they failed to make the Super League play-offs for the first time, with Lomax and Percival limited to 13 and nine games respectively by injury.
“The last few weeks have been pretty emotional,” admitted Lomax, who also earned eleven caps for England and four for Great Britain (Percival played for England six times).
“I’d love to have been in the play-offs, but we got to finish enjoying this incredible support. We’ve done it in front of our parents, friends, wives and kids.
“He (Percival) has been like my little brother from the day I walked in. I’m proud of him, for everything he’s done. It couldn’t be more fitting.”
Lomax, who has a degree in physiotherapy, is now planning to take time out of the game to consider his future.
Percival, meanwhile, will begin a role with St Helens’ community foundation.