England have been dealt a major blow ahead of the Four Nations Series with the news that Jonny Lomax has pulled out through injury.
St Helens youngster Lomax has been a revelation in Super League this season, but the Young Player of the Year will miss out on his England debut after pulling out of the Four Nations with torn ankle ligaments.
Lomax picked up the injury in Saturday’s Grand Final defeat against Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford and will be replaced in the squad by Rhinos stand-off Danny McGuire.
England, who are third favourites to win the tournament at 6/1 with Bet365, were counting on Lomax to cause problems against New Zealand, Australia and Wales as he is some what of an unknown quantity and would have cause a whole host of problems in attack.
Australia are the clear favourites to win the Four Nations at 4/9, while reigning champions New Zealand are next in line at 11/4 with Iestyn Harris’ Wales side rank outsiders at 250/1.
