Craig Bellamy expressed his frustration regarding Zac Lomax's switch to rugby union, reflecting on the situation as Melbourne looks toward another talent from Lomax's hometown.
Recent comments from Bellamy highlighted his discontent about Lomax being barred from returning to the NRL with the Storm.
This week, the Temora native signed a two-year contract with the Western Force, eyeing a potential position with the Wallabies for next year's Rugby World Cup.
After being prevented by Parramatta from joining another team without their consent due to last year's attempted move to R360, Lomax could have explored different options when negotiations between the Eels and Storm fell through.
Instead, he chose rugby union, citing the opportunity to compete "on a truly international stage" as a significant driver for his decision.
"It's a shame we lost him," Bellamy remarked.
"I can understand his frustration and I can understand leaving the game, but that doesn't make me feel better about it."
He added, "We've lost one hell of a player to another code, and we didn't really have to. But even more important, we lost a really good person to the code."
Currently, Bellamy is turning his attention to another promising Temora player, Angus Hinchey, who is set to make his debut against St George Illawarra in Wollongong on Saturday.