James Lomas (rugby league)

James Lomas (26 August 1879 – 11 February 1960) was a pioneering English rugby league footballer of the late 19th century, and early 20th century. Hailing from Maryport, Cumberland, his career lasted for twenty-four years from 1899 to 1923. A three-quarter and prominent goal-kicker, Lomas captained the Great Britain national rugby league team.

Lomas was born on 26 August 1879 in Maryport, Cumberland, England, the son of Sarah (née Tyson) and James Lomas. He is the younger brother of Tom Smith, who played association football for Preston North End and Tottenham Hotspur.

Lomas started his career with his hometown rugby union club, Maryport. His first known appearance for the first team came on 14 November 1896 in a 3–0 defeat against Millom. Lomas remained with the club when they made the switch to rugby league and joined the Northern Union in March 1898. In 1899, he made his début appearance for Cumberland aged 19, scoring the only try of the match which was a 3-0 victory over Cheshire at Whitehaven.

Lomas became rugby league's first £100 transfer, from Bramley to Salford in 1901 (based on increases in average earnings, this would be approximately £35,890 in 2013). He then played in 1904's first ever international rugby league match for England against Other Nationalities. His club record for most points in a game (39), achieved for Salford against Liverpool City on 2 February 1907, still stands today.