A guarded Zac Lomax has refused to open up on the reasons behind his controversial switch to the Eels next year, but insisted his contract wrangle at the Dragons lingered from early in the pre-season.
Speaking for the first time since his decision to walk out on St George Illawarra, the State of Origin hopeful largely kept his motives to join Parramatta to himself, repeating: “I’m more than comfortable to answer next year’s questions next year.”
But in the midst of his best season which has him in contention for the Dally M Medal, the 24-year-old spoke fondly of the Dragons and said he was content with his call.
“I’m stoked my future is now sorted,” Lomax said. “I’m not the only one that’s made a decision based on a career and moved clubs. It happens every day in rugby league, and I’ve been here for a number of years and played 100 games at the club. That’s the way footy goes.
“With everything that went on with [my situation], I guess it went on for a little bit longer and it sort of gained a fair bit of momentum. It went on for a lot of the pre-season.
“It’s sort of been a tough one, too, because our performances haven’t shown that we’re building too much consistency, winning a lot of games over the past [few years]. I feel, for me, my focus is to change that in my period that I’m still here.”
Lomax agreed to end his Dragons contract early to sign a four-year deal with the Eels from next season, despite being due to earn $850,000 and $875,000 in his final two years at Kogarah.
Lomax’s Eels salary will average out at less per year than he was due to earn at the Dragons in 2025 and 2026.
Lomax has largely kept quiet about his contract dealings and didn’t conduct any external media appearances in the lead-up to his 100th NRL match last month.
But on Thursday, he said his affection for the Dragons hadn’t softened.
“I love the club,” he said. “I’m a local junior and obviously played my 100th a few weeks ago. I got a bit emotional, especially having my family here. I love my teammates, too.”
Lomax said he was happy to play any position for the team despite suggestions he was upset at being shifted to the wing this year, where his eye-catching performances have pushed him into contention for a maiden Origin cap.
“It’s definitely disappointing he’s [leaving],” Dragons captain Ben Hunt said. “He’s playing some of the best footy he’s ever played and really making a go of it on the wing.
“I understand players want to play their position. I want to be a halfback. If Flanno [coach Shane Flanagan] came down and asked me to play hooker, I’d probably be a bit upset about it, too. That’s where I’m at my career.
“I wish him the best going to Parramatta. He’s shown he’s definitely committed to us this year with what he’s doing.”
Blues coach Michael Maguire has sounded out Lomax about a potential wing berth for the Origin series opener in Sydney next month. Brian To’o is likely to retain his place in the Blues side, while Lomax will vie with Joseph Suaalii and Josh Addo-Carr for the other wing spot.
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