Less than 48 hours after becoming the latest rugby league star to switch codes to rugby union, rumours have emerged that Zac Lomax could potentially find himself back playing in the NRL as early as the 2027 season.
Speaking on Triple M’s NRL Daily, Code Sports journalists Brent Read and David Riccio discussed the idea that a move to the Melbourne Storm or Perth Bears could potentially be on the cards.
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“If he spends two years there and wants to come back to rugby league, he’ll be in Melbourne,” Read said.
“They just went to court for him, they paid his court fees. If he doesn’t go to Melbourne, it’s the ultimate slap in the face.”
Meanwhile, fellow Code Sports journalist David Riccio floated the idea that Lomax could find himself playing under Mal Meninga at the Bears as early as the start of the 2027 season.
“The Bears are across the road. If he spends 12 months with the Force and knocks on Mal [Meninga’s] door and knowing the ARL Commission also have a say on how the Perth Bears operate – Lomax back to the NRL through the Bears,” Riccio said.
Read added, “If he goes to the Western Force this year and he’s rubbish, he can’t play and he’s not a chance of playing for the Wallabies, Melbourne will come knocking at the end of the year…as if they’re going to turn their back on Zac Lomax.
“That’s the very least Zac Lomax owes Melbourne to go back at the end of this two-year period and play for the Storm.”
Lomax insists no regrets after switch | 22:14
The links to both the Bears and Storm come as Lomax failed to rule out a potential return to the 13-man code when speaking at a joint press conference with Rugby Australia and the Western Force.
“For me, this is my future. But mate, I’ll never rule out what’s to be later on down the track,” Lomax said on Tuesday after being asked if he was open to making an NRL return in the future.
“I want to be the best rugby union player that I can. I’ve already said that I’m super grateful for everything that rugby league has given me.
“Rugby league has given me the chance to be where we are today. I’m super thankful for that. To my previous clubs, I’m super grateful. But for me, it’s all about the future and I’ve been able to make a decision.
“Obviously, there’s been a whole heap of speculation, but I am truly confident in my decision and one that I just can’t wait to rip into.”
Zac Lomax will spend 2026 with the Western Force.Source: Getty Images
PHINS SENSATION OFFERED TO CLUBS
An update has emerged on the future of Dolphins fullback sensation Trai Fuller as he remains off-contract at the end of the 2026 season, along with eight other teammates.
A member of the 2025 Prime Minister’s XIII side, where he scored four tries, Fuller has taken the NRL by storm since making his debut three seasons ago in Round 25.
However, Love Rugby League reports that Fuller has become the latest NRL player to be offered to teams in the Super League and has emerged as a possible transfer target for various overseas clubs.
Despite the links, Fuller revealed last month that he is open to remaining at the Dolphins beyond this season as he continues to try and find a contract for 2027.
This comes as a source confirmed to foxsports.com.au that the fullback has also attracted interest from at least one rival NRL team.
“I haven’t really heard too much at the moment. I’ll just leave that to my manager,” Fuller told foxsports.com.au last month.
“I’ll be open to staying there. I’ve got one more year there, so I’m just focused on playing good footy and the rest will work itself out.”
Previously rejecting advances from the Brisbane Broncos to extend with the Dolphins until the end of 2026, the 28-year-old’s future remains in limbo due to Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow locking down the No.1 jersey and the Dolphins’ depth in the back-line.
Unable to keep them all, it is understood that one or two of Fuller, Jake Averillo, Jamayne Issako and Selwyn Cobbo are unlikely to be extended beyond this season by the Dolphins.
Trai Fuller is off-contract at the end of 2026.Source: Getty Images
RISING RAIDER ON THE MOVE?
Linked to the Cronulla Sharks and St George Illawarra Dragons at the backend of last season, Chevy Stewart has now found himself targeted by multiple overseas clubs.
As reported by Love Rugby League, several teams in the Super League are keeping a close eye on the two-time Under-19s NSW Blues representative and have identified him as a possible transfer target.
Once regarded as the future No.1 of the Canberra Raiders, the 20-year-old has unfortunately fallen down the pecking order behind Kaeo Weekes and Ethan Alaia but that hasn’t stopped him from trying to lock down a spot in the NRL side.
Recently making the transition to the centres, he has scored 14 tries in 24 NSW Cup appearances.
“It’s a good question actually. Obviously, I want to be a first-grader,” Stewart told The Canberra Times in February.
“That’s what everyone wants to do. I just want to push the boys and push for a spot wherever it is.
“I don’t know – centre, fullback. I’ll play anywhere. I just want to show that I can bring value to the team and put myself in good stead for the season.
“Hopefully get a chance in one of those spots.”
The Raiders back has found himself targeted by other teams.Source: Getty Images