Recruited for his “point of difference”, Zac Lomax is open to playing “anywhere in the backline” after joining the influx of NRL stars to cross codes ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia. <\/p>\n
Amid much ado during his first, packed press conference since signing a two-year-deal with Rugby Australia and the Western Force, Lomax confirmed he hadn’t played the 15-man game since primary school.<\/p>\n
Back then, the now-26-year-old said he played “anywhere in the backs, so pretty much 12, 13 and 15”.<\/p>\n
But the former NSW State of Origin and Australian Test star said Force coach Simon Cron planned on deploying him as a winger or fullback.<\/p>\n
“I’ve been in constant communication with Crony, the Force coach, and he’s been really good,” Lomax said.<\/p>\n
“He’s been very transparent with myself and my management in regards to where he sees me, and I think his preferred (position) is 15 or on the wing.”<\/p>\n
The rugby convert humbly accepts he is a “novice” to the game with a lot to learn, but believes he has many transferable skills.<\/p>\n
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“I need to understand how the game actually operates,” Lomax said.<\/p>\n
“The things that I bring are my attributes of my running game and my aerial threat.”<\/p>\n
Firmly believing Lomax could feature for the Wallabies at next year’s World Cup, Rugby Australia’s high-performance director Peter Horne sees numerous qualities in the shock recruit.<\/p>\n
“Zac’s ability under a high ball is seen as pretty favourable,” Horne said.<\/p>\n
“The ability to kick and be able to actually retain their own position or put pressure on opposition is important. It’s a point of difference that Zac brings.<\/p>\n
“The ability to actually goal kick is also just as important for us.”<\/p>\n
In his NRL career the former Eel and Dragon has spent time as both a winger and a centre, but has only represented his state or country on the wing.<\/p>\n
Let alone the Wallabies, Lomax faces a tough time forcing his way into the Force’s starting XV. To play on the wing, he would need to dislodge either former Wallaby Darby Lancaster or in-form ex-All Black George Bridge.<\/p>\n
Regardless, Lomax is simply keen to head west and get back to training and away from the glare following a hugely controversial exit from Parramatta that culminated in the NSW Supreme Court.<\/p>\n
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