I can't believe some are knocking a kid who has just played his first Superleague game after having almost three years of Hell with injuries.

Yes he is only slightly built now, but give him two off seasons to work on his strength and conditioning. Look at Sam Tomkins, he's doing o.k.

He's still only 18 years of age.

Give the lad a break.

I know either he or Wheeler had had a lot of trouble with his back. Is that what you're referring to?

Wheeler has had trouble with his back. Lomax has just come back from a knee reconstruction.

The stats in League express for him are extremely impressive for a debut

Over 130 metres going forward.
6 tackles made ZERO misses (for Mugwump worried about his ability to tackle)

There's an article in the league express on Lomax's injury (page 3). He got a blood clot on the brain after a clash of heads in a school match. I think he's lucky to be alive never mind making his saints debut. It says in the article that he's got 3 plates in his head. Therefore, the need for the headgear.

I thought it was a very good debut by the lad. He didn't look at all out of place for his very first senior match.

I agree. Aside from the things you point out, bear in mind the emotions surrounding the game itself and the fact that he has only been playing in that position for a very short period. I thought he was outstanding.

Watched the bit of the Wakey game last night where Brough got the interception.
Hard to say who's got the most gas because of the chaser coming from the side, but Brough (who's quick) was never goign to get past Lomax and during the chase Lomax and Pryce were very even for pace.

as for people knocking the lads tackling skills, did they not see him dump the centre as wekefield scored, if gardner had stuck to his man and line the centre would have chosen not to offload and we'd have all been calling johnnys tackle a big shot

I don't think anyone (sane, at any rate) is knocking the kid. He did better than can be expected.

But we have to be realistic. The odds are heavily stacked against any kid becoming the "New Darren Lockyer". Indeed, the odds are against him even making it at Saints. For every junior that realises his potential there are ten more that don't (Joey Hayes, Danny Arnold etc. etc.)

Let's keep our feet on the ground. Certainly, the worth of stats achieved against a team decimated by injuries and grieving over the loss of a colleague are dubious to say the least.

That's true, although I will say that with the league going to 14 teams and quota rules tightening, the youngster we're seeing coming through our ranks - Lomax, Wheeler, Frodsam, Armstrong, Eastmond, Ashurst and Dixon all have a great chance of a SL career even if they don't make it at Saints.

I was astounded by this when I read it in the press. He's a very courageous guy.

I'm with Rogues in my disbelief of people knocking Lomax. He had a great debut and it was a damn shame he was stopped within inches of the line as it would have been a nice touch to get a try on his first game with the big boys!