St Helens have confirmed a new captain for the 2026 Super League season with incumbent Jonny Lomax passing the torch on.
England prop Matty Lees is the man who will take on the role for 2026 in what will be his tenth season with the club. Fittingly, Lees’ first match as captain will be at his own testimonial with details of that game still to be confirmed.
It marks another big change at St Helens this off-season following the exit of Paul Wellens and the hiring of Paul Rowley as head coach. Lees’ appointment over Lomax, who had held the role for the past two seasons since James Roby’s retirement, is another significant switch-up at Saints.
There have been questions over what Jonny Lomax’s role will be in 2026 with St Helens signing Jackson Hastings recently, possibly leading to less game time for the veteran playmaker. By contrast, Matty Lees puts in huge minutes from prop every week with no confusion over his status as the club’s starting prop.
😇 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧.
Ahead of his Testimonial Year in 2026, St.Helens R.F.C. is proud to announce that Matty Lees will be the Saints’ new captain!
Full story 🔻 https://t.co/GARAWmTjJ4#COYS | @matt_lees1 pic.twitter.com/N6NQr814Lz
— St.Helens R.F.C. (@Saints1890) December 1, 2025
St Helens confirm Matty Lees as new captain
St Helens announced Lees as their club captain on Monday night with a club statement confirming the news.
Lees joined Saints’ academy aged 16 and then debuted in 2017 ages 18 before establishing himself as a rising star, and more recently one of the premier props in Super League.
The 27-year-old has made 194 appearances for the club so far and has 12 England caps, including at the 2022 Rugby League World Cup, whilst also being one of few who came out of the recent Ashes whitewash with credit.
Speaking on his appointment to club media, Lees said: “It’s a really special moment for my family and me. It’s not something you really think about growing up as a kid playing rugby, but to be up there with the names who have captained this club – I feel really honoured.”
Lees also spoke on the impact of Lomax and former skipper James Roby, noting: “If I can be half the people or players they have been, I’ll be made up.”
Specifically on Lomax’s blessing about becoming the new captain, Lees said: “It was an emotional moment. Jonny’s a great friend and a great teammate, and what he has done for me personally has been huge. He has supported me through some dark times, potential career-ending injuries, and his support has helped make me stronger. People don’t see those moments, but they mean everything, so to have his backing now is truly special.”
Head coach Paul Rowley said: “I saw it on the players’ faces when the announcement was made internally – he is a true champion and a leader.
“From the outside, he had all the qualities you could want, and now, being part of the club, I’ve confirmed firsthand everything I believed about him. He is exactly the sort of person you want to follow on the field. I am confident he will lead by example through his actions, and that his presence and voice as captain will continue to grow in the coming years.”
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