Former Eel and Kangaroo Zac Lomax could make his Super Rugby Pacific as early as this month after switching codes to join the Western Force on a two-year deal.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old joins from Parramatta after 133 games in the NRL, State of Origin and for the Kangaroos.<\/p>\n
Lomax will join the team in Perth after they return from playing the Hurricanes in Wellington, New Zealand after a three-week road trip.<\/p>\n
He could play for the Force as early as round seven, against the Waikato-based Chiefs, on March 28, the rugby.com.au<\/a> website reports.<\/p>\n He may be used as an outside back or centre and says he is \u201cincredibly excited and thankful\u201d to be able to join the Force.<\/p>\n \u201cStepping into a new code will push me as a player and that\u2019s something that genuinely motivates me,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n \u201cLike 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,\u201d Lomax says.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t wait to get started in Perth and begin this next chapter of my career.\u201d<\/p>\n FORMER NRL REP CAREER<\/p>\n Debuting for the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2018, Lomax made his State of Origin debut for NSW in 2024, going on to play for his country later that year.<\/p>\n \u201cZac is a superb athlete with a proven track record at representative level in rugby league and we believe he has the talent and drive to make a successful transition to rugby,\u201d RA CEO Phil Waugh says.<\/p>\n \u201cZac brings a unique set of experiences and skills to our environment and is motivated by the challenge of competing on the global stage.<\/p>\n \u201cHe came to Perth late last year and we spent some time together talking about the Force and how we want to play,\u201d Force coach Simon Cron says of the former NRL player.<\/p>\n \u201cHe remained in contact during the process and has always been extremely enthusiastic about the opportunity of joining the players who chose Perth as their home.<\/p>\n \u201cAnyone who has seen Zac play knows what he will add. Combine that with his drive and professionalism and I have no doubt he will be extremely successful.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are excited to get him started.\u201d<\/p>\n Lomax had first pursued a move to the Melbourne Storm after he requested an early release from his former club, the Parramatta Eels<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s permission.<\/p>\n He tried to join a rebel R360 global rugby union competition which was subsequently delayed.<\/p>\n His move to the Storm fell apart with the Storm forced to pay Parramatta\u2019s legal fees worth up to $250,000 when the case went to the Supreme Court, news.com.au<\/a> reports.<\/p>\n