Zac Lomax Powerful Rise From NRL Star to Rugby Union

Introduction

Zac Lomax has built an impressive career across two demanding codes of Australian football. Born in Temora, New South Wales, he developed from a talented regional junior into an NRL star, State of Origin representative and Australian international before making the major switch from rugby league to rugby union in 2026.

His journey has included major achievements as well as difficult moments. He became a key player for St George Illawarra, earned recognition with New South Wales and Australia, and later moved to Parramatta. Although his rugby league career was already successful, Lomax accepted a completely new challenge with the Western Force. His story now includes another future chapter after signing with the PNG Chiefs for their planned 2028 NRL campaign.

Quick Bio

Category	Details
Full Name	Zac Lomax
Date of Birth	24 September 1999
Age	26
Birthplace	Temora, New South Wales, Australia
Nationality	Australian
Profession	Professional rugby player
Nickname	Lowy
Height	190 cm
Weight	94 kg
Former NRL Club	St George Illawarra Dragons
Former NRL Club	Parramatta Eels
Current Rugby Union Club	Western Force
Rugby Union Position	Outside centre / back
Former Rugby League Positions	Centre, wing, fullback
State Team	New South Wales
International Rugby League Team	Australia
Future NRL Club	PNG Chiefs
NRL Debut	2018
Australian Debut	2024

Early Life and Rugby League Development

Zac Lomax grew up in Temora, where he developed his sporting abilities as a junior. He played rugby and rugby league while growing up and showed enough talent to attract attention beyond his hometown. His early sporting development eventually took him toward the Illawarra region and the St George Illawarra pathway.

At just 15, Lomax left Temora to pursue a stronger rugby league opportunity with the Illawarra Steelers. He progressed through the junior system and represented New South Wales at junior level. His performances eventually earned him selection for the Australian Schoolboys, establishing him as one of the promising young outside backs in the country.

St George Illawarra Dragons Career

Lomax made his NRL debut for St George Illawarra in 2018. The Dragons became the club where he developed from an emerging junior into an established first-grade player.

He was capable of playing several positions, including centre, wing and fullback. His versatility became an important part of his value, while his physical strength and goal-kicking ability added another dimension to his game. During his Dragons career, he became a regular contributor in attack and developed into one of the club’s most important outside backs.

Lomax eventually reached the significant milestone of 100 NRL appearances for St George Illawarra in 2024. That season became the biggest breakthrough period of his rugby league career.

The Remarkable 2024 Season

The 2024 season transformed Lomax’s standing in Australian rugby league. His performances for the Dragons earned widespread attention, and his consistency helped him finally achieve his long-awaited State of Origin opportunity.

One of his greatest club performances came against the Wests Tigers. Lomax scored three tries and kicked ten goals for a remarkable 32-point individual total. The performance established Dragons records for points and goals in a single match.

His excellent season also earned him selection in the 2024 Dally M Team of the Year. The recognition demonstrated how far he had progressed after several seasons of establishing himself in the NRL.

State of Origin Breakthrough

Lomax’s selection for New South Wales in 2024 was one of the most important moments of his career. He had previously been part of the extended NSW squad in 2020, but his official debut came four years later.

He started on the wing in Game One against Queensland. Although NSW lost that opening match, Lomax quickly became one of the memorable players of the series.

In Game Two at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, he produced a spectacular performance. Lomax scored two tries and kicked five goals as NSW defeated Queensland 38–18. His ability to compete strongly in the air became one of the major talking points from the match.

NSW went on to win the series, giving Lomax an important State of Origin achievement early in his representative career.

Australian International Career

Lomax’s outstanding 2024 form also earned him selection for Australia. He made his international debut against Tonga in October 2024.

He played three Tests during Australia’s 2024 Pacific Championship campaign. He scored two tries and kicked eight goals, finishing the tournament as part of an Australian team that won the competition.

Representing Australia added another major achievement to a season that had already included NRL milestones, State of Origin selection and a Dally M Team of the Year honour.

Move to Parramatta Eels

After his successful Dragons career, Lomax moved to the Parramatta Eels for the 2025 season.

The transfer followed a period in which his preferred position and role had become an important subject around his Dragons career. While he had initially wanted to establish himself as a centre, his strong performances on the wing showed that he could become an elite outside back in that position.

At Parramatta, he continued his NRL career and scored nine tries in 19 appearances.

Career Statistics and Achievements

By the time the PNG Chiefs announced his signing in 2026, Lomax had recorded 133 NRL appearances. His career included 114 games for St George Illawarra and 19 for Parramatta.

For the Dragons, he scored 49 tries and kicked 315 goals. His 2025 Parramatta season added another nine tries.

His representative career also became significant. Lomax made six State of Origin appearances for NSW across 2024 and 2025, scoring six tries. His Australian record includes three Test appearances, two tries and eight goals.

Career Timeline

2015

Lomax left Temora at 15 to pursue his rugby league development with the Illawarra pathway.

2017

He continued his rise through representative football and was selected for the Australian Schoolboys.

2018

Lomax made his NRL debut with St George Illawarra Dragons.

2020

He was included in the extended NSW State of Origin squad.

2024

He reached 100 NRL games, made his NSW debut, helped the Blues win the Origin series, earned Dally M Team of the Year selection and made his Australian debut.

2025

He played for Parramatta Eels and continued his NRL career.

2026

Lomax switched from rugby league to rugby union and joined Western Force.

2028

He is scheduled to return to the NRL with the PNG Chiefs.

Zac Lomax as an Australian Rugby Union Player

The move to rugby union in 2026 represented one of the boldest decisions of Lomax’s career. After years of professional rugby league, he joined Western Force and began learning the tactical and technical demands of the 15-man game.

He made his professional rugby union debut for the Force during the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season. He initially played on the wing and made seven appearances during the competition.

The transition was not completely smooth. A groin injury, described as osteitis pubis, disrupted his preparation and prevented him from fully using one of his strongest rugby league skills: goal kicking.

Western Force Comeback

By September 2026, Lomax was preparing for another opportunity with Western Force. Coach Simon Cron moved him from the wing to outside centre to increase his involvement and help him gain a deeper understanding of rugby union.

The change has given Lomax a fresh challenge. He has spoken positively about learning the game and adapting to a position that gives him more opportunities to handle the ball.

His performances could potentially put him in contention for future Australian rugby union selection, although a Wallabies appearance has not yet been achieved.

Future With the PNG Chiefs

Lomax has already decided that his rugby career will eventually return to the NRL. In July 2026, he signed a three-year agreement with the PNG Chiefs.

The signing made him one of the first players officially committed to the new club ahead of its planned 2028 NRL debut. The move will take him to Papua New Guinea after his Western Force contract.

For Lomax, the opportunity represents more than simply another playing contract. He has expressed enthusiasm about contributing to the development of rugby league in Papua New Guinea and helping establish the new club.

Playing Style and Strengths

Lomax has built his reputation around physical strength, versatility, competitiveness and attacking ability. His experience at centre, wing and fullback has allowed him to adapt to different tactical demands.

Goal kicking became another major strength during his NRL career. His ability to score tries while also contributing points from the kicking tee made him particularly valuable to his teams.

His aerial ability became especially famous during his State of Origin career. His spectacular leap for NSW against Queensland at the MCG remains one of the defining moments of his representative career.

His transition into rugby union is testing those strengths in a different tactical environment, requiring him to learn new structures while using his existing athletic qualities.

Personal Life and Family

Lomax has maintained a close connection with his family and his hometown of Temora throughout his career. His journey from regional New South Wales to professional and international sport has remained an important part of his public story.

He is engaged to Kayla Green, and the couple are expecting their first child in 2026. Family has also been important in Lomax’s career decisions, particularly as he considers his future in professional sport.

Conclusion

Zac Lomax has already experienced several major chapters in his sporting career. He progressed from a Temora junior to an NRL player, became a State of Origin winner and Australian international, and earned Dally M Team of the Year recognition during a standout 2024 season.

His move to Western Force shows that his ambition extends beyond rugby league. Becoming an Australian rugby union player has presented a difficult new challenge, particularly after his injury interruption, but the opportunity gives him another chance to expand his career.

The future is also clear beyond his rugby union experiment. His agreement with the PNG Chiefs means Lomax is scheduled to return to the NRL in 2028. Whether his next chapter becomes his most successful remains to be seen, but his career already demonstrates resilience, versatility and a willingness to take on difficult challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Zac Lomax?

Zac Lomax is an Australian professional rugby player who previously starred in the NRL and now plays rugby union for Western Force.

When was Zac Lomax born?

Zac Lomax was born on 24 September 1999.

Where is Zac Lomax from?

He is from Temora in New South Wales, Australia.

What is Zac Lomax’s nickname?

His nickname is Lowy.

Is Zac Lomax married?

He is engaged to Kayla Green.

Does Zac Lomax have children?

He and his fiancée are expecting their first child in 2026.

What position does Zac Lomax play?

He has played centre, wing and fullback in rugby league and is playing outside centre in rugby union.

Who is Zac Lomax’s current team?

He currently plays rugby union for Western Force.

Did Zac Lomax play for Australia?

Yes, he represented Australia in rugby league during the 2024 Pacific Championship.

When will Zac Lomax return to the NRL?

He is scheduled to return to the NRL with the PNG Chiefs for their planned 2028 season.

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