Wallabies great Morgan Turinui believes Zac Lomax could be gracing the rugby field in a Wallabies jersey within a fortnight, as the former NRL star prepares to embark on a new sporting chapter. Lomax officially announced his code switch on Monday, signing a two-year contract with Rugby Australia and the Western Force.
This move comes after a period of uncertainty for the 26-year-old, following Parramatta’s decision to block a potential transfer to NRL rivals, the Melbourne Storm. This left Lomax’s future for the 2026 season in limbo. Lomax had made it clear he wished to depart the Eels after just one season, initially seeking opportunities with R360 before the rival rugby competition’s commencement was delayed by two years.
Under current NRL regulations, Lomax is unable to play for another NRL team without written consent from Parramatta until 2028. His presence outside Rugby Australia headquarters in Moore Park in Sydney had fueled speculation prior to the official announcement.
Rugby Australia confirmed Lomax’s immediate entry into the rugby competition, with the player himself expressing his eagerness to seize what he described as a “huge opportunity.”
“Stepping into a new code will push me as a player, and that’s something that genuinely motivates me,” Lomax stated in a press release. “Like 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. I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started in Perth and begin this next chapter of my career.”
Western Force coach Simon Cron revealed he had been in discussions with Lomax since late last year and expressed his delight that the player had chosen to make the move to Perth.
Lomax’s Ideal Starting Position
When discussing Lomax’s potential role within the Force’s lineup, Turinui offered a straightforward assessment. “If you come across as a rugby league convert, the easiest place to play is on the wing,” he commented on Stan Sport’s Between Two Posts.
Former Wallaby Nick Phipps concurred with this view. “You could play him anywhere, but when you are trying to get him settled in the middle of the season, just chuck him on the wing,” Phipps suggested. “Then, as his options start to open up, you can let him find different homes, whether that be at fullback, inside or outside centre.”
Navigating the Transition: Key Differences
Turinui highlighted a significant difference between Lomax’s transition and that of other NRL converts like Joseph Suaalii and Angus Crichton. While Suaalii and Crichton made their moves at the conclusion of the NRL season, affording them ample preparation time before their new competitions began, Lomax is joining the Western Force mid-season.
The primary challenge for Lomax, according to Turinui, will be mastering the intricacies of rugby union’s set pieces and the breakdown. The time it takes for players with limited rugby union experience to grasp these fundamental aspects of the 15-a-side game can vary considerably. However, Turinui expressed confidence that Lomax would become “comfortable” playing the sport within a year.
“To be effective, influential, and valuable, he’ll learn very quickly as a winger,” Turinui explained. “The big difference between league and union that I found is that in league, there are times when you can switch off a little bit. If you are on the wing, the ball is on the far right, and you are on the left edge; you can have 30 seconds to just chill and wait for the ball. In union, every single play where the ball is in play is a contest. You have to be switched on. If you are switched off, you will miss your role and leave space open for the opposition that will be taken. It is the continuous nature of focus in union that is tough. The wing is as easy as it can be; you just have to learn your contact skills and runs.”
Turinui anticipates Lomax will be on the training field imminently. “He is at training tomorrow, if not today,” Turinui stated. “The best place to find him would be in a No. 23 Western Force jersey within a fortnight, hopefully, with 20 minutes of power off the bench on the wing.”
This code switch opens the door for Lomax to be eligible for the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. However, there are no guarantees that even a player of his caliber will secure a spot in the squad.
A Crucial Skill for the Wallabies
One particular trait Lomax possesses could significantly boost his World Cup aspirations. “What is absolutely crucial at the minute is that he is a fantastic goal kicker, which we don’t have a lot of at the moment,” Turinui observed. “It is an absolute no-brainer this signing.”
Phipps further emphasised the magnitude of the signing. “I think it is pretty understated how big of a deal he is in rugby league,” he remarked. “He is a [New South Wales] Blues player that was also on the Kangaroos tour last year. He is such a big name to come across, and he will do well over there because Perth is quite hidden away, so he can learn about the game without too much added pressure.”
“The more we get the best talent in the game, the better the game is going to go,” Phipps added. “There is obviously so much talent in the outside backs in the Wallabies. He has a big task ahead of him to work his way, not only into the Force team but potentially the Wallabies team. It is good to have these big-name signings coming across to the game.”
“I’d love to be a fly on the wall at training to see him hit his first breakdown,” Phipps concluded. “Just to see how he adapts to the union style, but I think it will be great for the game.”
The exact timing of Lomax’s debut for the Western Force remains to be confirmed. The team’s next fixture is on Friday against the Hurricanes.
