Eels star recruit Zac Lomax has declared he’ll be playing centre next season despite his breakout year on the wing.
Lomax was absolutely filthy this time last year when new Dragons coach Shane Flanagan told him he’d be shifting from centre to the wing.
The 25-year-old was so upset about what he saw as demotion that he negotiated an early release from his contract and signed with the Eels from 2025.
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But the move proved a masterstroke as Lomax delivered the best year of his career, earning New South Wales and Australia selection for the first time.
But since signing a four-year $2.6m deal with Parramatta in April, the club sacked coach Brad Arthur and their best-and-fairest winner this year, Reagan Campbell-Gillard has left for the Titans.
Fullback and captain Clint Gutherson has also been told he’s free to explore his options, which could open the door for Lomax to wear the No. 1 jersey.
But the speedster who will make his Kangaroos debut against Tonga on Friday night didn’t mince his words when asked where he’ll be playing.
to join the western Sydney club in April, Brad Arthur was sacked as coach, front-rower Reagan Campbell-Gillard signed with the Gold Coast Titans, and Gutherson has been told he is free to look elsewhere immediately.
“I’ll be at centre next year, for sure,” Lomax told The Sydney Morning Herald.
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“I wanted to go and test myself. It was time for a change. And that change is at Parramatta.
“I pride myself on competing on everything. I did all my pre-season at fullback, then I got chucked on to the wing.
“I was confident coming into this season, and I came in with the mentality of wherever I played, I wanted to nail that position and be the best possible [player] in that position.
“I pride myself on being a footy player. I love playing wing. I’ve loved every minute of this season. But I want to play centre.”
The Dragons are in the race to sign Gutherson and Lomax endorsed the potential move.
“I’d love ‘Gutho’ to be at Parra, but I also understand Gutho has to do what’s best for him – he’s been such a great player, and he still is a great player,” Lomax said.
“There’s talk he might be going to the Dragons. That could be a really good buy for them. Wherever he goes he will be a good player.
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“For me, I want to put my best performance in for my country, then I can’t wait to get to the Eels. I’m really looking forward to it.
“‘Rylesy’ has kept in touch a fair bit. He’s down in Wollongong as well. We’ve caught up four or five times – I keep in touch with him regularly.
“[Because Parramatta finished 15th] the good thing is nobody will give us a chance next year. That gives us a bit of motivation already.
“I believe in that roster wholeheartedly, and there are positive signs moving forward.”
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