LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Former cross code athlete Lote Tuqiri has encouraged Zac Lomax to pursue a career in rugby union, asserting that he could be in contention for the Wallabies as early as the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Lomax has faced a challenging couple of years. After being shifted to the wing with the St George Illawarra Dragons, he left the club to secure a spot in the centers at the Parramatta Eels.
However, just one season into a four-year contract-prompting selections for both New South Wales and Australia based on his performance as a winger-he received a release, allowing him to seek opportunities in other codes.
Initially, there were expectations that he might join R360, a Saudi Arabian-backed rugby union league offering lucrative contracts. Unfortunately, that opportunity has now been put on hold until at least 2028, leaving Lomax in a state of uncertainty. He is still reportedly considering options in rugby union, especially because he is barred from joining any other NRL clubs aside from Parramatta until at least the end of 2028.
The conditions of his release have left Lomax uncertain about his future. However, Tuqiri has voiced his support, telling Code Sports that Lomax should make the switch to rugby union.