Ready to go: Zac Lomax named for a super Force debut

Zac Lomax’s bold bid to win a Wallabies berth at the World Cup begins on Saturday night when he makes his Super Rugby Pacific debut in the Western Force’s clash with the Queensland Reds in Brisbane.

Lomax has been named on the bench and is likely to be thrust into the role of a winger when he steps out on to Suncorp Stadium.

It will mark a significant first step in Lomax’s rugby journey, with the former NRL star having not played the game since his primary school days.

The 26-year-old was a try-scoring machine in the NRL during stints with St George Illawarra and Parramatta, but his bid to join the Melbourne Storm this season - after the breakaway R360 league was postponed until 2028 - ended in an out-of-court settlement ahead of a potential NSW Supreme Court hearing.

Lomax signed with the Force and Rugby Australia on a two-year deal, with the ultimate goal to feature for the Wallabies at the 2027 home World Cup.

Force coach Simon Cron was full of praise for the way Lomax has been soaking up information at training over the past two weeks.

“He’s a natural athlete - big, strong, fast, powerful,” Cron said on Wednesday.

“We’ve done a bit of work with him since he got here, he’s very confident he’s ready.

“He’s coming off the bench, so it gives him a chance to work his way into the game. He’s a great player, and he’s ready to go.”

Former Wallabies star Kurtley Beale has played a key role in fast-tracking Lomax’s progression.

“I’m trying to learn the game from the ground up, but it’s exciting, and I’m loving it,” Lomax told Stan during halftime of last week’s 24-14 loss to the Chiefs.

“Around the ruck is a massive one. I would say for me it’s lowering your contact defensively.

“That’s something I’m taking a little bit to get used to. I think the kicking game is something I’m going to enjoy.”

Wallabies winger Dylan Pietsch has been thrust straight back into the Force’s starting side after recovering from a foot injury that has grounded him since the pre-season.

But there was also bad news on the injury front for the Force.

Star flanker Carlo Tizzano has been ruled out for at least two weeks with a MCL injury to his left knee.

And captain Jeremy Williams will miss the must-win game against Queensland with concussion.

Irish open-side flanker Jack Daly will make his debut in place of Tizzano.

The Force have tasted victory just once from six games this season, while the fourth-placed Reds boast a 4-2 record.