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Remove items from your saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n AAA<\/p>\n Zac Lomax is determined to begin his \u2033\u2063once-in-a-lifetime\u2033\u2063 stint at the PNG Chiefs as a dual international, refusing to give up on securing a spot on the Wallabies\u2019 spring tour later this year.<\/p>\n The cross-code star touched down in Sydney late on Monday after signing a three-year deal with the NRL\u2019s 19th franchise from 2028<\/a>.<\/p>\n While he is excited by the prospect of playing for Chiefs in their inaugural season and making a difference to the people of Papua New Guinea, Lomax\u2019s immediate focus is on returning from injury and reigniting his dream of representing the Wallabies.<\/p>\n The 27-year-old has not played for his Western Force franchise since May because of osteitis pubis, but has been spending his days rehabbing at Rugby Australia HQ and is edging closer to a return.<\/p>\n The thought of heading to the Chiefs at the end of next year having represented his country in rugby league and union is the ultimate motivation for the winger.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s an experience going over there [to Port Moresby], it strips back the humility side of it,\u201d Lomax said.<\/p>\n \u201cMore than half the population is under the age of 25, so us as athletes, we\u2019ll have a major role in having an impact on the nation … it\u2019s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.<\/p>\n \u201cBut my heart and soul is absolutely dedicated to Australia in rugby union [right now]. I want nothing more than to pull on that gold jersey. That\u2019s what it\u2019s about. I need to get my body fit and healthy and in the best condition I can to be able to pull on that jersey.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s a little bit unfortunate being out injured at the moment, but that\u2019s my goal, to play in a World Cup. I\u2019ll do everything in my power to give myself a red-hot chance.<\/p>\n \u201cIt would be a proud moment for myself and family. I\u2019d love to be able to do that [be a dual international]. I want nothing more than to tick that box and achieve it.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure everyone will tell you who has had it [osteitis pubis] it\u2019s a week-to-week thing. Every week it gets better, I\u2019m up at \u2018RA\u2019 most days through the week getting it sorted. Hopefully, I\u2019m back sooner than later.\u201d<\/p>\n Pressed on whether he had set his hopes on making the Wallabies\u2019 spring tour of Europe, Lomax said: \u201cFingers crossed, absolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n The Wallabies have no shortage of talented wingers, including returning Roosters, NSW Origin and Kangaroos flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen, Dylan Pietsch and Harry Potter. Lomax was not considered for the mid-year Tests against Ireland, France and Italy due to his injury.<\/p>\n Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas backed Lomax \u2013 PNG Chiefs player \u201c005\u201d \u2013 to fulfil his dream of representing the Wallabies before heading north.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s a World Cup on home soil, and chatting with him the last few days, I know how much it means to him,\u201d Chammas said.<\/p>\n \u201cRugby Australia have nothing to worry about when it comes to a guy who is committed to doing his best for their code. And once he\u2019s done there, he\u2019ll be wearing the Chiefs jersey proudly.\u201d<\/p>\n Related Article Chammas confirmed another signing target, Joey Manu, had returned to Paris and his French rugby team, and remained hopeful he would become part of the Chiefs\u2019 inaugural roster.<\/p>\n Having already recruited Wests Tigers playmaker Jarome Luai, South Sydney favourite Alex Johnston and Roosters utility Connor Watson, Chammas said the club would look to assemble its forward pack once they were free to do so come November 1.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve heard the talk about how we\u2019ve got plenty of backs, but these players were available, the timing was right, and we\u2019ll be looking for forwards come November,\u201d said Chammas, whose only other marquee signing, Englishman Matty Lees, is a prop.<\/p>\n News, results and expert analysis from the weekend of sport sent every Monday. Sign up for our Sport newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Save<\/p>\n You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n![\"Zac](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/116a70999501583b452830a39a14111efdebc093.jpeg\")
Zac Lomax touches down in Sydney on Monday night with PNG Chiefs\u2019 football manager Michael Chammas.Janie Barrett\/SMH<\/p>\n![\"Zac](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/68d133d9e49fa107cee66bea4ae28ce393d6035a.jpeg\")
Zac Lomax at Sydney airport on Monday night.Janie Barrett<\/p>\n![\"Adam](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/1785155801_146_09e11c1eb4e98fef9595bf34f3473fc9252c1b34.jpeg\")
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