The PNG Chiefs have officially unveiled Zac Lomax as the latest marquee recruit for the NRL’s newest franchise, with the former State of Origin star committing to the expansion club from 2028. Lomax becomes the fifth high-profile player to sign with the Chiefs as they continue building an impressive roster ahead of their inaugural season.
The announcement ends weeks of speculation after Lomax travelled to Papua New Guinea to meet with club officials, with the Chiefs confirming the cross-code star will return to rugby league once his current rugby union commitments conclude.
Chiefs Land Another Major Coup
Lomax has signed a three-year deal running from 2028 until the end of the 2030 season and was unveiled as Player No. 005 in the club’s history.
He joins an increasingly impressive list of confirmed signings that already includes:
- Jarome Luai
- Connor Watson
- Alex Johnston
- Matty Lees
The Chiefs are also pursuing several more marquee names, including Joey Manu and Cameron Munster, as they prepare to enter the NRL in 2028.
Return to Rugby League Locked In
Lomax left the NRL earlier this year to pursue rugby union, joining the Western Force with ambitions of representing the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
His new agreement confirms he will make his return to rugby league immediately after that campaign, giving the Chiefs one of the game’s most damaging outside backs for their inaugural season.
The versatile outside back has previously starred at both wing and centre in the NRL and at representative level, making him one of the competition’s biggest cross-code signings in recent years.
PNG Chiefs Continue to Flex Their Muscle
The Chiefs have quickly established themselves as a genuine powerhouse in the player market.
After securing Jarome Luai earlier this year, the club has continued to attract elite talent thanks to its long-term vision and significant financial backing. Their recruitment drive has already drawn comparisons with some of the strongest expansion builds seen in Australian sport.
Lomax’s signature further strengthens a squad that is shaping as an immediate premiership contender when the franchise enters the competition.
With more marquee announcements expected over the coming months, the Chiefs have made it clear they have no intention of simply making up the numbers in 2028.
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