#james lomas

MUSICALS I WANT TO SEE: BILLY ELLIOT the Musical

An interesting piece in Graham Morris’s recent biography of James Lomas illustrates that, despite all his achievements and his standing in the game, Lomas wasn’t immune to criticism — particularly from the stands.

The occasional whinge was that Lomas, especially when he retreated into the centres later in his career, had a tendency to keep hold of the ball rather than pass it, even though the winger could have been put into a more advantageous position (sound familiar?). Indeed, at times he tried to do too much; and it didn’t go unnoticed.

We shouldn’t be surprised by these acts of criticism. As observers, we can quite easily pick at holes in the games of today’s top talents. Even future ‘immortals’ such as Darren Lockyer and Andy Farrell can be scrutinised. And can do this because we have seen them play and can remember games and situations they faced. However, in 50 or 100 years, there will be much less of us about to corroborate, while the folklore surrounding said players will grow. They will become more untouchable, invincible even.

Another more recent example is David Watkins. ‘The King’ no less. Plenty of Salford fans remember his heroics, perhaps still idolise him. However, Watkins got his fair share of stick. One gripe being that he would run across the line, looking for the gap, sometimes failing to find that gap, as oppose to running straighter. To one person, given Watkins’s attributes (incredibly nippy but lightweight), his approach would seem naturally appropriate, whereas another person may see it as avoiding the collision; not wanting to get dirty.

The King of Brilliance is a new book profiling James Lomas, an early rugby league superstar and one of Salford’s true greats. Written by Salford City Reds’ historian Graham Morris and published by London League Publications, it is along overdue look at a man who was a phenom of his age.

Lomas’s accomplishments speak for themselves. He was rugby league’s first £100 transfer after moving from Bramley to Salford in 1901. His career points tally of 2,312 was a world record for several years — a remarkable feat considering the turbulent nature of the transitional, Edwardian period. And he captained the first Lions tourists, when the Northern Union travelled to Australasia in 1910.

His tally of 39 points against Liverpool City in 1907 also remains a Salford club record. So it really cannot be understated how large a part Lomas is of Salford’s history. Special hardback editions of the book, signed by the author, are available from LLP Shop next Monday (10 October). The online shop is also taking pre-orders.

Release date: October 10th

Price: £16.95

ISBN: 9781903659571