In a significant cross-code transition, former Parramatta Eels star Zac Lomax has officially signed with the Western Force rugby union team, commencing immediately. The 26-year-old’s move follows the collapse of his anticipated shift to the Melbourne Storm, which was obstructed by a contentious clause in his NRL release agreement.
The contractual complication emerged from Lomax’s departure from Parramatta last year, initially intended to facilitate his participation in the postponed R360 competition. When that league’s launch was deferred until 2028, Lomax found himself in contractual limbo. The Melbourne Storm attempted to secure his services during the offseason, but the existing clause prohibited his signing with any rival rugby league club until October 2027.
This impasse prompted Lomax’s dramatic code switch, facilitated through a two-year arrangement with Rugby Australia and the Western Force. The opportunity to potentially represent the Wallabies in next year’s home World Cup served as a powerful incentive for the athletic convert.
Current NRL players have expressed strong support for Lomax’s transition. Connor Watson, Lomax’s former State of Origin teammate and current Sydney Roosters utility, described him as “a freak” athlete who will “dominate in another sport.” Watson acknowledged the challenging position Lomax faced, stating: “I felt really badly for him. I’m just glad to see that he’s got his future worked out.”
Fellow Rooster Angus Crichton, who has also signed with Rugby Australia and could become Lomax’s Wallabies teammate, offered a more measured perspective. While expressing care for Lomax’s “compromising position,” Crichton noted that “he put himself in that position” through the original contract agreement. Nevertheless, Crichton emphasized that “it’s good to see that he’s come out of it because he’s a quality player.”
Lomax himself expressed enthusiasm for the challenge, stating: “This is a huge opportunity and a challenge I’m really looking forward to embracing. Stepping into a new code will push me as a player and that’s something that genuinely motivates me.” He specifically highlighted the allure of potential Wallabies selection and World Cup participation as “powerful motivation” for his code transition.