Parramatta confirm Zac Lomax coup after NRL star flags intention to leave St George Illawarra

Parramatta have signed Zac Lomax to a four-year contract, officially ending the disgruntled St George Illawarra winger’s search for a new NRL club.

Lomax’s frustrations at being shifted to the wing have permeated the Dragons’ season thus far, but he will not be permitted to leave until the end of 2024.

The 24-year-old had been linked with a switch to the Eels since news of his agitation for a release became public this year, and the club confirmed his signing on Tuesday morning.

“Zac is a great talent and we’re confident he will be an invaluable addition to our team,” said Parramatta chief executive Jim Sarantinos.

Lomax has been one of the Dragons’ best players in an inconsistent first season under Shane Flanagan, most recently starring in Sunday’s 24-12 defeat of Wests Tigers.

But despite excelling at right wing, Lomax has been firm that centre is the position he’d prefer to play, with the club giving in to his request for a release early this month.

The Dragons are understood not to be contributing any of Lomax’s salary going forward after being reluctant to cut him loose from the final two years of his deal.

Lomax is set to return to the centres with the Eels, who have secured his services until the end of the 2028 season.

Will Penisini has a lock on one centre spot at Parramatta but they have long lacked a second elite player in the position.

Coach Brad Arthur has tried new recruit Morgan Harper, Bailey Simonsson and youngster Blaize Talagi at centre through the first six rounds of this season.

Lomax’s arrival could have ramifications for those three, who are all off contract at the end of the year and likely to have their NRL opportunities curtailed by the new acquisition.

Lomax’s deal comes as he prepares to play his 100th NRL game this Friday, when the Saints host the Warriors in Wollongong.

The local junior has played his entire first-grade career to date at the joint venture, debuting in 2018.