Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Football
Netball
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Full Noise by SN
Lomax denies Bears' conversations after WA Rugby move
Sam Kosack • March 11th, 2026 10:30 pm
Zac Lomax has denied having any conversations with Mal Meninga about a potential shift to the Perth Bears after the former Kangaroos winger officially linked up with the Western Force.
Lomax officially signed a two-year deal with Western Australia-based Super Rugby side, the Western Force, two days ago after failing to secure a deal with the Parramatta Eels that would allow him to sign with the Melbourne Storm and return to the NRL.
Under the conditions of his Eels’ release, Lomax is unable to play in the NRL until the 2028 season, which has seen him link up with the Western Force to follow his ambitions of representing the Wallabies at the 2027 World Cup.
Now based in Western Australia, Lomax has denied speaking to the Bears’ inaugural coach about a potential move, giving his commitment to rugby union and the Western Force.
“Mal's a legend, and I've been super grateful to be able to be coached by him,” Lomax told SEN WA Sportsday.
“Mate, I love him, and… I've learned heaps off him over the years that I've been coached by him, and he's got enough on his plate I think, he's trying to get a team together.
“But for me, mate, I'm obviously locked in here, and I can't wait to rip in rugby union-wise.”
Lomax was initially granted a release from the Eels towards the end of last year to join upstart Rugby Union competition R360, and after the tournament was delayed, endured a very public attempt to return to the NRL with the Storm.
Since his confirmed release from the Eels in November, Lomax’s future has been the subject of intense speculation, with rumours linking him to R360, union, or a league return continuing for months.
Lomax says that, now that his Western Force move has been confirmed, he is grateful for the speculation to end.
“There's been a whole heap of speculation, and it's been pretty crazy… over the last few months, and at the end of the day, all over a game of footy,” Lomax revealed.
“For me, mate, it's all sort of all done now.
“The decision's been made, and I guess there was a fair bit of speculation for a long period of time but to finally come up with a decision and get it sorted, I'm super stoked and can't wait to move over there.
“There's comments all the time, and that's just part and parcel of being a professional athlete.
“The fans are heavily involved in the game, and there's critics and there's a lot of fans that are super positive towards the game, and that's what makes the game go around, you know?
“It gives people a lot of things to talk about and that's why we play it: to give back to the fans and keep everyone amused.
“Obviously, some take a little bit more liking to some things, some don't, but at the end of the day, it's a game of footy, and I've been able to make a decision and back the people over at the Force.
“It’s going to be a hell of a ride, and one I can't wait to rip into.”
Lomax won’t play for the Western Force on Friday, but could line up for the side as soon as March 28 against the Chiefs at HBF Park.
