Zac Lomax, a dissatisfied winger for the Dragons, may face a substantial salary reduction if he wishes to play in the centres for another NRL team. Last year, St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan demonstrated his reluctance to grant release requests when he denied Ben Hunt’s plea to leave. Lomax, who was shifted from centre to wing by Flanagan, reportedly requested a release before the start of this season, but the request was firmly declined.
Disagreement Over Zac Lomax’s Potential Early Release Divides NRL 360 Panel
St. George Illawarra Dragons coach Shane Flanagan has informed Zac Lomax, who is under contract until 2026, that he will not be allowed to play for another team this year. However, Flanagan has expressed openness to an early release if it aligns with the Dragons’ interests.
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The Parramatta Eels have shown interest in acquiring Lomax’s services, but the ease with which he may break his contract has sparked a debate among the NRL 360 panel. Lomax reportedly requested a release before Round 1, expressing his discontent with being selected as a winger instead of playing in the centres.
According to James Hooper, various clubs, including Parramatta, have expressed interest in Lomax but are prohibited from making formal offers while discussions are permitted. Paul Kent expressed frustration with clubs disregarding NRL regulations designed to prevent the poaching of contracted players, while Hooper argued that such discussions have been part of rugby league culture for years.
Debate Over Clubs Ignoring Anti-Tampering Rules for Zac Lomax
Paul Kent expressed frustration, stating that he has reached his limit with clubs disregarding the anti-tampering rules. He criticized the NRL for taking no action despite clubs openly pursuing Lomax. Flanagan mentioned that the situation would be reviewed after Round 4, but Lomax will not be allowed to leave this season. According to Kent, the clubs have ignored the rules, and the NRL has done nothing to address the issue.
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James Hooper responded by questioning the extent to which the anti-tampering rules are taken seriously, stating that clubs are allowed to engage in discussions at any time. He acknowledged that formal offers made in violation of the rules can result in penalties from the NRL. Hooper mentioned that the Eels expressed their interest in Lomax, but the Dragons rejected their approach. However, he speculated that the situation might be revisited after Round 4, considering Lomax’s high salary of $800,000. Hooper argued that having a winger on such a substantial contract does not align with the salary cap’s balance.
Zac Lomax’s future at the St. George Illawarra Dragons remains uncertain
Zac Lomax is already signed for the upcoming year and the following year, which allows the Dragons to actively participate in the player market. Currently, St. George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan is focused on acquiring middle forwards. Flanagan has demonstrated his firm negotiating stance, as seen in the Luciano Leilua deal, and is unlikely to easily give in to demands. It may require Lomax to accept a reduced salary if he intends to play in the centres for another club.
Paul Kent finds it unusual how casually the Dragons are handling Lomax’s desire to leave the club. On the other hand, James Hooper questions the value of keeping a player who no longer wants to be there, especially considering Lomax’s high salary. However, Kent argues that the Dragons lack a suitable replacement for Lomax and suggests it may be better to retain him rather than relying on an inexperienced player. Hooper speculates that Lomax will stay at the Dragons for the current year, but he anticipates a departure next year.
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