The rugby world is buzzing with speculation after Zac Lomax was spotted leaving Rugby Australia headquarters, reigniting rumors of a potential code switch. This comes just days after the NRL star's hopes of joining the Melbourne Storm were dashed, leaving him in a career limbo. But here's where it gets controversial: could Lomax, a player with no prior rugby experience, really make the jump to the 15-player game? And this is the part most people miss: his previous flirtation with the R360 rebel league, which ultimately delayed its launch, may have set the stage for this unexpected twist.
Photos published by News Corp on Wednesday showed Lomax exiting Rugby Australia's Moore Park offices, just 24 hours after his NRL lockout was reduced to the end of 2027. The winger had been banking on the Storm negotiating a release from Parramatta Eels, the club holding his NRL rights. However, the Storm were forced to pay $250,000 in legal fees, and Lomax's NRL future remains uncertain. The Eels have stated they're open to a player swap deal, but only if it benefits their team—a condition that may not align with Lomax's preferences.
Here’s the kicker: Lomax’s interest in rugby isn’t new. After R360’s delayed start, he met with Super Rugby Pacific teams like the Western Force and ACT Brumbies. Yet, without a top-up offer from Rugby Australia, his enthusiasm waned, and he refocused on the NRL. Now, with the Storm option off the table, his reappearance at RA suggests either an improved offer or a willingness to accept a reported $300K-$400K contract—a significant pay cut from his Eels salary.
Super Rugby clubs operate under a strict $5.5 million salary cap, with Rugby Australia providing additional funding for Wallabies-caliber players. This was the case for Angus Crichton, who recently signed with the Waratahs, and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, whose switch has sparked debate about fairness in cross-code recruitment. RA boss Phil Waugh has kept the door open for Lomax, calling him a 'world-class athlete,' but emphasized their focus on repatriating players with rugby experience—a criterion Lomax doesn’t meet.
The Western Force are rumored to be leading the race for Lomax’s signature, while NSW Waratahs coach Dan McKellar downplayed interest, joking that adding Lomax to their already expensive backline might force him to play in the front row. 'He’s a high-quality player, but he’s not in our plans right now,' McKellar said.
What do you think? Is Lomax’s potential switch to rugby a smart career move, or is he biting off more than he can chew? Could his lack of rugby experience hinder his success, or will his athleticism bridge the gap? Let us know in the comments—this debate is far from over!
