JONNY SCRUM LATELY

Lomax's return from ban is crucial after Saints struggled without him

- DAVECRAVEN

ST HELENS captain Jonny Lomax is desperate to put all his frustrations behind him after the first ban of his professional career.

The England stand-off is back against Super League high-fliers Hull KR today after serving a three-game suspension.

Injury-ravaged Saints have rarely needed their skipper more as they bid to get the wins needed to secure a play-offs place.

Lomax's timely return is a real boost for Paul Wellens' side who were beaten 20-0 by fierce rivals Wigan at Magic Weekend to leave them clinging on to a top-six spot.

He turns 34 in a few days time but, remarkably, his ban for a high shot in a 46-4 hammering at Leigh was his first-ever sit-down punishment from disciplinary chiefs.

Lomax (above) admitted watching as his teammates struggle has been "tough".