Lomax will move into the centres in 2025 after agreeing to join the Eels.
Although Dragons coach Shane Flanagan is pleased that Zach Lomax made his representative debuts for the Blues and Kangaroos this season, he believes that if he hadn’t been playing on the wing, it never would have occurred. The 25-year-old Lomax sought a move to NRL rivals Parramatta in 2025, where he is expected to play at his preferred position of center, after Flanagan’s decision to move him to the wing this season.
After a stellar season for the Red V that earned him a spot on the NRL Team of the Year, many have questioned why new Eels coach Jason Ryles would not use Lomax on the wing. Lomax was also a standout winger for the Kangaroos when they won the Pacific Championships and for NSW in their successful State of Origin campaign.
Despite Lomax’s own reluctance, the Dragons coach claims that his decision to move him out of center was ultimately justified in an interview with Joel & Fletch on SEN’s The Run Home. While joking that Lomax has yet to call him to express gratitude, Flanagan stated that he doesn’t believe the Eels recruit would have received the rep honors if he hadn’t been playing on the wing.
“I take great satisfaction out of watching Zac play, it wasn’t just my decision,” Flanagan stated. “As coach and staff, we obviously discussed it, and in the end, I decided that it had to happen. And I’m glad for him because he has clearly played for his country and Origin, and that wouldn’t have happened if he hadn’t been a winger.”
Flanagan continued by praising Lomax’s professionalism and demeanor, as well as his ability to adjust so successfully to a position he wasn’t initially interested in playing. “In the end I made the move but Zac had to apply the skillset and he’s tried really hard and he has ripped into it and done a really good job with it.”
Bryan Fletcher, a legend in the league, questioned whether Lomax’s hesitation to play on the wing was related to the position’s alleged contract worth compared to the centers. Even though the 25-year-old moved to the Eels for less money than he was on at the Dragons, Flanagan acknowledged that might have influenced Lomax’s decision.
Shane Flanagan says some positions more attractive than others
“Sometimes players are worried about the number on their back… especially when it comes to the negotiation period,” he stated. “There is somewhat of a pay scale since, in their opinion, centers are paid more than wingers, and fullbacks are paid more than centers and wingers.
“Zac may have initially thought of himself as a center rather than a winger, but he eventually adapted and has had a fantastic season. However, I believe that many athletes are concerned about the number on their back. In a recent interview, Lomax discussed his choice to leave the Dragons and implied that he believed the Eels were a better team to succeed with.
“I feel like it was the finest choice I could have made for myself since I needed a different approach in my football career. I’m really excited about it,” Lomax remarked. All I wanted to do was step outside of my comfort zone. Even though I had been there for a while, I still wanted to win in the end. I don’t think the Eels’ performance this year will translate to their performance the following year. We’re going to have a great year with the Parra team and club, in my opinion.
