I'm happy with SMD at fullback and have more confidence in him there than when we have Lomax, let's see after a full season

Lomax is on too big a salary to be anything other than a starting player.

Ok give SMD a pay rise sorted

Lance Hohaia mrkII

I don't see the fascination wirh SMD. Don't get me wrong he's done ok since he came back. I like him and like his attitude but let's not forget that saints didn't deem him worthy of a deal for 2015.

Anyone who thinks he's better than a fully fit Lomax must have lost his/her mind. Lomax has more skill in his little toe than SMD does in his whole body.

The only area that SMD beats Lomax is the support play. SMD support play is second to none to any player in super league and that's how he scores so many tries.

I'm not bagging SMD before the usual on here wear saints tinted specs jump on me. I'm not pointing out he's not in the league as Lomax.

I agree that a fully fit Lomax is a top player, but he has been fully fit for only a fraction of his time at Saints, and I have doubts that he will ever regain the fitness to get him back to his best. That doesn't mean that he can't be a really good player again, maybe in a different position, but I would be surprised to see him playing 30 games a season for us as a full back. Given his fitness record, it is vital that we have a good back up, and SMD gives us that. Let's not forget that he isn't first choice in that position, and as a backup, he is far more than being just adequate.

He looks a different player from the short spell last season, maybe the longer contract has settled him and he has quickly become part of the squad.

He's been great since he's come back to us. If his form continues i can't see J-Lo just walking back into the side. I can see how McDonnell could also supply cover across the backs, he's a great support player.

SMD and Sav on the pitch at the same time could be a great pairing. Sav likes to get his hands free and SMD is always Johnny on the spot supporting

I like Shannon. He's won me over so far. To be fair to him he played well last season as well until he got injured. Lomax could end up at 6 or as 1,3,4,6,7,9 cover from the bench.

I don't think anyone will know where he will be playing until he has a few injury free months under his belt. But his lack of a kicking game will always be a problem for him in the halves, unless he is playing between players like Walsh and Wilkin. He could still turn into a Danny McGuire type of a 6 if he can regain his speed and zip

Speed and zip? Not words I'd associate with Lomax even after his previous returns.

We might as well put jonny down and have done with him the way some are talking on here. I know for a fact that Jonny will be fullback when he's back. KC likes him and will give him every opportunity to regain his form and fitness. Kc didn't really want mcdonnell for next year.

Like I said earlier in the thread thst SMD as done ok so far but he's your average run of the mill fullback with a excellent support play. His defence is pretty woeful to be honest.

Sky say he's been immense since he returned to St. Helens for his second spell, next thing, he picks up a ankle injury. Can it be any worse for you guys with potentially Wellens, Makinson, Swift, McDonnell, Lomax out of the back line.

No.