Zac Lomax may have secured his future in rugby league, but for now, his focus is on becoming the latest cross-code star to represent Australia in both league and rugby union.
Lomax will join the PNG Chiefs on a multi-year deal from 2028, agreeing to terms on the deal after visiting Port Moresby last week.
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It’s a huge signing for the NRL’s 19th club, who have already secured the signatures of Jarome Luai and Connor Watson.
“It’s an experience going over there (to Port Moresby), it strips back the humility side of it… we’ll have a major role in having an impact of the nation. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Lomax told the SMH.
Lomax is excited for what is in store at the Chiefs, however, the talented outside back has shifted his focus back to the 15-man code.
Lomax is one year into a two-year deal with the Western Force.
While he’s currently sidelined with osteitis pubis, Lomax harbors a dream to represent the Wallabies at next year’s Rugby World Cup.
He’s even hoping to push for selection in the Wallabies’ squad for the spring tour of Europe which begins in early November.
”My heart and soul is absolutely dedicated to Australia in rugby union (at the moment),” Lomax told the SMH.
“I want nothing more than to pull on that gold jersey. That’s what it’s 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.
“It’s a little bit unfortunate being out injured at the moment, but that’s my goal, to play in a World Cup. I’ll do everything in my power to give myself a red-hot chance.
“It would be a proud moment for myself and family. I’d love to be able to do that (represent the Wallabies).”
Zac Lomax putting pen-to-paper on his deal with the PNG Chiefs. Picture: Simon Keslep/Post Courier PNGSource: Supplied Source Known
PERTH LAND NEW SIGNING
The Perth Bears have confirmed their newest signing with the arrival of utility Jack Cole on a three-year contract until the end of the 2029 season.
A member of the Penrith Panthers premiership-winning squads in 2022, 2023 and 2024, Cole is the perfect addition to the Bears due to his ability to play a number of different roles such as in the centres or halves.
“I’m stoked to sign with Perth and be a part of their historic inaugural squad,” Cole said.
“I believe this club can help me continue to develop as a player and I’m excited about the opportunity to move to Perth and get out amongst the community.
“The roster is really starting to take shape, and it will be an honour to run out in front of our home fans at HBF Park next year.”
Jack Cole.Source: Supplied
Debuting in 2022, the 23-year-old has gone on to feature in 19 first-grade matches and was once labelled as Jarome Luai’s long-term replacement in the No.6 jersey.
However, he fell down the club’s pecking order following the arrival of Blaize Talagi from the Parramatta Eels who has made the five-eighth role his own at the foot of the mountains.
“Jack is a talented half who has enjoyed a lot of success both as a junior coming up through the ranks and obviously with the Panthers,” Bears coach Mal Meninga said.
“He has an excellent kicking game and is a good organising half.
“His skillset compliments our roster, and I look forward to welcoming him over to Western Australia.”
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WEBSTER FACING HUGE HALVES DECISION
Warriors coach Andrew Webster faces a “big call” in weighing up whether to consider recalling talented playmaker Luke Metcalf amid the side’s downturn in form.
The Warriors were knocked down from second to third on the ladder following an 18-6 upset loss to the Bulldogs coupled with a Sydney Roosters win this past weekend.
They escaped with a somewhat fortunate win over the Dragons in Round 20 and have won just two of their last four.
In response, there have been calls for Webster to look at bringing Metcalf into the fold.
Chanel Harris-Tavita and Te Maire Martin have mostly done a great job in the halves but they have failed to inspire much in attack in recent weeks.
Metcalf has played in just two NRL games this season having been named in the first grade squad solely as injury cover.
He’s on the move next season, signing a rich multi-year deal with the St George-Illawarra from 2027 after the Warriors allowed him to leave despite being contracted until 2028.
Ex-Dragons coach Shane Flanagan believes that Metcalf’s impending departure shouldn’t cloud Webster’s judgement over the next few important weeks with the Warriors just needing four more wins from their final six to lock in a top eight spot.
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“I’m sure the coach (Andrew Webster) would be so desperate to win this year so the fact that Metcalf is going to the Dragons next year, won’t play any part so if Luke Metcalf is going to help his situation, he’ll put him in,” Flanagan said.
Former NRL star James Graham agreed with Flanagan.
A couple of weeks ago, Graham said such a drastic move to the team’s spine may upset the apple cart at the Warriors.
He still is mindful of that, but at a crucial juncture of the season, it might be time for Webster to pull the trigger.
“It’s a big call for Webster. He’s looking at this situation and wondering if the injection of Metcalf would give the team a bit of a boost,” Graham said on Triple M.
“They’ve sort of been limping around the past couple of weeks. They got away with a win against the Dragons and then the Bulldogs defence really nullified them so maybe now is the right time.
“It could be a masterstroke or it could completely derail them.”