Parramatta have officially signed Zac Lomax to a four-year contract, putting an end to the winger’s search for a new NRL club after being disgruntled at St George Illawarra.
Lomax’s frustration with being moved to the wing has been evident throughout the Dragons’ season so far, but he will now remain with the Eels until the end of 2024.
The 24-year-old had been rumored to be joining the Eels since news of his desire to leave became public earlier this year, and the club officially confirmed his signing on Tuesday morning.
“Zac is a fantastic talent and we believe he will be a valuable addition to our team,” said Parramatta CEO Jim Sarantinos.
Lomax has been a standout player for the Dragons in an inconsistent season under coach Shane Flanagan, most recently shining in a 24-12 victory over the Wests Tigers.
Despite excelling on the right wing, Lomax has made it clear that he prefers to play in the centre position, leading the club to grant his request for an early release earlier this month.
The Dragons will no longer be contributing to Lomax’s salary going forward, as they were hesitant to release him from the final two years of his contract.
Lomax is now set to play in the centres for the Eels, who have secured his services until the end of the 2028 season.
Will Penisini currently holds one centre spot at Parramatta, but they have been lacking a second elite player in that position.
Coach Brad Arthur has experimented with new recruit Morgan Harper, Bailey Simonsson, and youngster Blaize Talagi at centre in the first six rounds of the season.
Lomax’s arrival may impact these three players, who are all out of contract at the end of the year and could see their NRL opportunities reduced by the new signing.
As Lomax prepares to play his 100th NRL game this Friday against the Warriors in Wollongong, he has spent his entire NRL career at St George Illawarra since his debut in 2018.
