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.”
However, the 24-year-old expressed his satisfaction with his decision and spoke positively about the Dragons during his finest season, which has put him in the running for the Dally M Medal.
Lomax exclaimed, “I’m thrilled my future is now sorted.” “I’m not the only person who has changed clubs due to a career-related decision. I’ve been here for a few years and played 100 games for the club, and in rugby league, it happens every day. That’s how football operates.
“I think that [my issue] continued for a little while longer and gathered some momentum because of everything that went on with it. It continued throughout the most of the preseason.
“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.”
Although Lomax was expected to make $850,000 and $875,000 in his last two years at Kogarah, he consented to terminate his Dragons contract early in order to negotiate a four-year contract with the Eels starting in the following season.
The average annual wage for Lomax Eels will be lower than what he was expected to make in 2025 and 2026 with the Dragons.
Prior to his 100th NRL match last month, Lomax made no external media appearances and has mainly stayed quiet about his contract negotiations.
However, he stated on Thursday that his feelings for the Dragons were unchanged.
I adore the club, he declared. As a junior in the area, I recently celebrated my 100th game. Seeing my relatives here especially made me feel a little emotional. I also adore my teammates.
Despite rumours that he was unhappy about being moved to the wing this season—where his impressive plays have put him in the running for his first Origin cap—Lomax stated he was delighted to play any position for the squad.
Dragons captain Ben Hunt expressed his disappointment at his departure. He’s making a serious impact on the wing and is playing some of his finest footy to date.
“I am aware that athletes desire to perform in their position. I’d like to play halfback. I would probably be a little irritated if Flanno, the coach Shane Flanagan, came down and asked me to play hooker. I am in that stage of my career.
“Best wishes to him on his journey to Parramatta. He has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to
Inquiring about a possible wing position for the Origin series opener in Sydney next month, Blues coach Michael Maguire has spoken with Lomax. Brian To’o is probably going to stay on the Blues team, and Lomax will compete with Josh Addo-Carr and Joseph Suaalii for the other wing position.
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