Dragons grant Lomax release to exit club after 2024

Zac Lomax will leave St George Illawarra at the end of the NRL season, after the Dragons bowed to pressure and agreed to release the unhappy winger.

Frustrated at being moved out of the centre position, Lomax’s management met with the NRL club again on Tuesday and reiterated his desire to leave the Dragons.

Dragons management this time agreed to a release, with Lomax’s contract for the next two years to be terminated with no further payout from the Saints.

“This provides both Zac and the club with clarity regarding the future, allowing us time to strategise for the upcoming seasons,” Dragons CEO Ryan Webb said.

“This arrangement enables the Dragons to focus on refining our top-30 roster and utilising additional cap space.

“While Zac can pursue his future endeavours with another club.”

Parramatta are already favourites to sign the 24-year-old, having made no secret of their desire to lure him to Kellyville in recent weeks.

There remains some chance that Lomax could make the move during this year, but the Dragons are adamant that will only be approved if a suitable player is offered in return.

Part of St George Illawarra’s set up since his days as an Australian Schoolboys representative in 2016, Lomax was contracted to the club until the end of 2026.

But he grew increasingly frustrated in recent seasons.

He was shifted out of his preferred right centre position by then-coach Anthony Griffin early last year, and then dropped out of the team shortly after.

Lomax returned to right centre last year after Griffin’s axing, but was then asked to play on the left wing to start this season by new coach Shane Flanagan.

The Dragons have also toyed with playing Lomax at fullback several times throughout his career, including in the most recent summer before opting to keep Tyrell Sloan there.

Lomax has been one of the Dragons’ best to start this season, scoring three tries in four games and making more runs than any other winger in the NRL.

But all the while, he has made clear he does not want to stay on the wing.

“Zac has consistently demonstrated his talent and dedication to the club, especially in the face of external noise,” Flanagan said.

“We have full confidence that he will maintain his high level of performance for the remainder of the season, benefiting all those associated with the Dragons.”

The Dragons’ decision to release Lomax goes against the club’s position on most contract matters in recent years, including denying release requests from captain Ben Hunt last year.

But it does allow the Dragons to wipe Lomax’s contract of around $800,000 per year, freeing up space to go after other wingers next year.

Penrith try-scoring machine Sunia Turuva will likely be a top priority, with the Fiji international off contract this year and ready to talk to other clubs.