LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
In a surprising twist that left NRL fans gobsmacked, the Dragons made a bold move regarding Zac Lomax on Tuesday.
Lomax, like a seasoned player eyeing up a new team, wasted no time in seeking out a fresh NRL club for the upcoming season.
Reports from The Sydney Morning Herald revealed that the Dragons' star is set to pow-wow with Parramatta coach Brad Arthur and Eels bigwigs on Wednesday.
The Dragons made headlines by cutting ties with Lomax ahead of schedule, freeing him from the final two years of his deal in 2025 and 2026.
This strategic play, likened to a quick breakaway on the field, was a mutual decision between player and club.
Lomax, who currently rakes in $800,000 per season, will stick with the Dragons for 2024, giving him time to seek greener pastures without draining the club of funds.
Unhappiness over playing out of position on the wing instead of at center has driven Lomax's desire to make a move.
The Eels, it is rumored, have the salary cap wiggle room to accommodate Lomax's preferred position and pay him accordingly, should he make the transition.
The shockwave of Lomax's departure plans reverberated throughout the NRL world, sparking discussions about what it meant for the player, the Dragons, and potential suitors.
According to league veteran Brent Read, the move is a win-win scenario, affording Lomax the chance to spread his wings elsewhere while saving the Dragons a significant sum earmarked for a winger.
Read also posited a theory that Lomax wouldn't be angling for an exit without confidence in securing a hefty paycheck at a rival club.
"I'm sure he's not doing this without knowing 'I'm going to get a pretty good whack wherever I end up'.
Parramatta is the obvious one," said Read on NRL 360, hinting at a possible landing spot for the talented star.