Paul Wellens likened St Helens star Jonny Lomax to a chess player as he left stunned leaders Warrington Wolves stuck in checkmate.
Missing seven first-team regulars, many thought the defending Super League champions were destined for a rare third straight defeat. But England stand-off Lomax, 32, came up with some brilliant plays to help inflict a massive loss on battered Wolves. He scored one try with a big sidestep and then set up Jon Bennison for a sizzling second half effort.
Lomax missed the World Cup through injury but will surely face France on Saturday week. Wellens said: “Jonny’s almost like a chess player with rugby: he sees three moves ahead. It was the best we’ve been all season as a halves unit. The more often we get their hands on the ball, the better. Now we need to build on this.
