Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force’s wait to unveil Zac Lomax extended after late out
Western Force fans will have to wait at least another week for the club to unveil cross-code recruit Zac Lomax after he was withdrawn from Saturday’s game against the Reds.
Western Force fans will have to wait at least another week for the club to unveil cross-code recruit Zac Lomax after he was withdrawn from Saturday’s game against Queensland Reds.
The former NRL star was set to play his first game in the 15-aside code following his high-profile switch when he was named on the bench for the Force’s must-win clash against the Reds.
But after Lomax experienced hamstring tightness this week, the club have taken a precautionary approach after a steep build, having only joined the Force three weeks ago.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Lomax, who was on the ground during warm ups, has been replaced in the selected team by centre Hamish Stewart, who will start on the bench.
Speaking to Stan Sport on the pre-game coverage, Force coach Simon Cron said they would not rush the star outside back after he reported soreness.
“He trained all Thursday, he only got to about 80 per cent speed, and he had a tight hamstring,” Cron said.
He’s been with us for three weeks, and it’d be stupid for us to try and push that.
“It’d be okay if it was one of our props, but not one of our power athletes.”
Cron had previously said they would not rush Lomax into the fray given his lack of competitive action since stepping away from Parramatta Eeels at the end of last NRL season.
Lomax did not enjoy a regular pre-season after his efforts to join rebel union competition Rugby360 fell through after the breakaway league announced in November they would postpone their start date until 2028.
When his efforts to rejoin the NRL with Melbourne Storm were thwarted due to legal action from former club Parramatta, Lomax signed with Rugby Australia and the Force in early March.
Upon his arrival, Cron said while Lomax had been doing his own program and running, they would ease him into the start of his Super Rugby Pacific career as he built the necessary match fitness.
“It’s going to be more a case of high-speed meters and getting him going fast and just seeing how his body is,” Cron said in March.
But they felt confident enough to hand him a spot on the bench for this weekend against the Reds, with the Force’s finals hopes dangling by a thread.
