06 May 2023 , 16:00
1036
0
Tonga boss Kristian Woolf rates Jonny Lomax the most professional player he’s ever worked with - and would love to now lock horns.
The England stand-off, 32, helped Saints win a third successive Super League title under the Australian’s command last term. Woolf returned to the NRL this season but comes back to the UK with Tonga for a three-Test series against England this autumn.
Lomax is one of eight Saints players in England boss Shaun Wane’s initial 40-man pick and it will be intriguing to see if he features. He missed last year’s World Cup to undergo bicep surgery and was one of seven Saints players who sat out last week’s England win over France.
But Woolf hopes he does face his tourists and said: “I’d like to see Jonny play. I had three great years working with him and all those guys at Saints. They're a great group and Johnny certainly is at the forefront of that.
“He’s outstanding to work with. He’s had some massive things to get over in his career - including a brain injury - and is such a credit to himself with the level he plays at.
Gay rugby league referee lifts lid on how coming out affected officiating career
“I’d go as far as saying I've never worked with a player who prepares as well as he does and does as much work to keep himself on the field.
“That's what you see in his performance. It means something to him. I'm not quite sure where he’s at with his international career or what Shaun Wane’s going to do. But I know if Jonny puts his hand up, he’ll be a very influential player.”
England will welcome Tonga for a historic three-match Test series in October and November.
The contests, which will be played at St Helens on October 22, Huddersfield six days later and Headingley the following week, will mark a maiden international series between the two countries.
Tonga head coach Kristian Woolf (PA)It is understood the initial plan was to invite New Zealand over and while that fell through, England head coach Wane, leading the side on Saturday for the first time since last November’s World Cup semi-final loss to Samoa when they take on France, insisted Tonga will pose a formidable challenge.
“Throughout my time as England head coach I have said we need to challenge ourselves against the best sides the international game has to offer – and Tonga are certainly one of those,” Wane said.
“They’ve been a real success story on the international stage in recent years, building on their exploits at the 2017 World Cup, and they will offer a real test.
“It’s also a great opportunity for us to get three high-quality Test matches under our belt as we continue to push towards the next World Cup in 2025.”