Wantaway Dragons winger Zac Lomax has been formally permitted to join a new NRL team from the beginning of next season, voiding the final two years of the long-term deal he had agreed to with his junior club.
The release agreement ensures St George Illawarra won’t have to pay a dime towards Lomax’s contract from 2025 onward, saving them $1.6 million over the next two years.
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“By finalising this decision now, it provides both Zac and the club with clarity regarding the future, allowing us time to strategise for the upcoming seasons,” Dragons chief executive Ryan Webb explained. “This arrangement enables the Dragons to focus on refining our top 30 roster and utilising additional cap space, while Zac can pursue his future endeavours.”
The Dragons may even entertain an early release if they get a bonafide star in return.
Lomax, 24, has been antagonising for a release behind the scenes since before round one of the season, with his main issue revolving around new coach Shane Flanagan’s decision to play him on the wing. Since shifting into the role Lomax has looked revitalised, scoring three tries and averaging 192 metres.
The centre-come-winger has played nearly 100 games for St George Illawarra since debuting in 2018. He came through the club’s junior ranks before that, playing for the Steelers SG Ball Team, and was long tipped to be a future leader of the joint venture.
Recently, however, the club’s inner circles have been privately unimpressed with his conduct; a feeling only compounded by the 24-year-old’s shock release requests.
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Parramatta is expected to make the first play for Lomax, though The Sporting Base understands several other New South Wales clubs have started preparing signing offers today too.
