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Why Lomax will be a 'standout' for the Wallabies
Nicholas Quinlan • December 19th, 2025 8:26 pm
Michael Carayannis believes that rugby league ‘freak’ Zac Lomax will be a standout for the Wallabies following the winger’s expected code switch.
Having played a starring role in Parramatta’s first season under Jason Ryles, the NSW Origin representative would become a much sought-after target of the upstart Rugby Union competition, R360, which was set to begin next year.
And with Lomax receiving a release from his contract with the Eels, it was believed that this was with the intention of signing with the league.
But with R360 being delayed until 2028, this appeared to leave Lomax in a state of limbo as to what his future entails.
But having reportedly met with Super Rugby side, the Western Force, who are believed to have offered a two-year deal, it appears increasingly likely that he’ll play rugby union.
However, it will be at a significant pay cut.
“He was on the Dragons, $850,000 a season,” Carayannis said on SEN 1170’s Boys of Summer.
“Still contracted for next year as well. Sort of release to Parramatta for $650,000, four-year deal. Lasted one season.
“Now, it looks like there’s an offer on the table from the Western Force, which includes Rugby Australia top-ups around the $450,000 mark, a season.
“So, his hope is to play for the Wallabies, potentially in the World Cup, which might supplement that income.
“It has been a significant financial haircut, but it looks like Zac Lomax is off to the Western Force for the next two seasons in the Wallabies’ World Cup squad."
While he may have played rugby league for most of his life, Wallabies coach Les Kiss has told various publications that he would be open to trying to bring the Origin representative into the national team fold ahead of a home World Cup.
And Carayannis thinks that Lomax’s skill, albeit in a slightly different sport, will hold him well if he is to play with the Wallabies.
“He’s a freak,” he added.
“All this stuff I’m saying, he is a genuine, gifted, supreme athlete who was starting to reach his peak in the NRL.
“And I feel like his skill level, because he can cut, he can pass, he can kick, will move across Rugby Union, and he’ll be a standout for the Wallabies if he does get picked.”
The Rugby World Cup will get underway on October 1 with the opening ceremony and match taking place at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Australia’s next Test match won’t be until July 4 when they take on Ireland at Allianz Stadium as part of their inaugural Nations Championship.
