Zac Lomax’s decision to turn his back on the NRL and sign with the Western Force on Monday ruffled feathers, but it was his statement that really twisted the knife.
The star winger agreed to a two-year deal with the Super Rugby club — a contract that opens the door for him to play for the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
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Lomax conveyed his excitement surrounding the new chapter in his life before talking about the dream of playing for the Wallabies.
“I’m incredibly excited and thankful to be joining the Western Force after reaching an agreement with Rugby Australia to make the switch to rugby union.
“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.
“The chance to be part of what the Western Force are building and to test myself at the highest level of rugby union is something that really excites me.
“Like any player, the dream of one day representing the Wallabies on a truly international stage and potentially competing at a Rugby World Cup is a powerful motivation.”
It was that final sentence however that stuck out like a sore thumb and was torn to shreds by several NRL journalists as nothing more than a cheap shot at rugby league.
“I think that’s tripe,” Brent Read said on NRL 360.
“This disappoints me because I have backed Zac to an extent through this whole process, but that’s just a shot at Rugby League.
“It may be inadvertent, but you’ve got to be smarter than that. To say a truly international stage, give me a break. You’re leaving the game, go.
“No one backed Zac Lomax more than Peter V’landys in the past three months. No one cares more about international rugby league than Peter V’landys. If I’m Peter V’landys and I see that quote, I’m saying, go. It’s pathetic.”
Dean Ritchie added: “That’s a middle finger to rugby league and that’s a shame on the way out because he had a very successful rugby league career.”
Code Sports reports Lomax could make his Super Rugby debut within a number of weeks.
Powerful agent Steve Gillis last week hinted a move to the 15-a-side code was on the cards.
“Yes, he’s a chance to play rugby,” Gillis said on his Chiming In podcast.
“Everything is on the table at the moment for Zac. He is going to explore all options.
“We have to find out how keen Rugby Australia are and what they can offer … there’s a World Cup coming up and overseas options in France and Japan … the door is still ajar in the NRL.”
The former NSW State of Origin star first pursued a move to the Melbourne Storm after he requested an early release from the Eels.
The Eels granted Lomax a conditional release that his move to a rival NRL club before the 2028 season would only be granted with the club’s permission.
His move to the Storm fell apart spectacularly with the Storm ultimately forced to pay Parramatta legal fees worth up to $250,000 when the case went to the Supreme Court.