Dragons coach Shane Flanagan says he feels his decision to shift Zac Lomax onto the wing has been justified amid the star’s career-best season.
Flanagan’s call to change Lomax’s position from centre to wing at the start of the season was seen as controversial at the time, given the outside back was arguably one of the Dragons’ best in 2023.
In addition, it was no secret that it was a move that upset Lomax, who wanted to remain in the centres.
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However, Lomax has taken his game to a new level in 2024, with his play earning him selection for the Blues.
The Origin rookie starred for New South Wales in the Game II thrashing of the Maroons, scoring 18 of the Blues’ 38 points.
Speaking to reporters this week, Flanagan reflected on the tough conversations he had with Lomax before the season but says it turned out to be the right call for player and team.
“I knew his skillset suited playing on the wing,” Flanagan said.
“To try and convince Zac he was a winger at the start, well it wasn’t going to happen. It didn’t happen. We saw what happened there but if we had that conversation now, it’d be a lot easier. A lot, lot easier.
“Time heals a lot of wounds, and that one there has definitely proven the coach’s point.
“All the credit needs to go to Zac. He was the one that didn’t want to play there but he bit down on his mouthguard and played really well so I didn’t have to force him to play. He just went out and did it.
“He’s the one that’s gone out week to week and executed and put himself in a position to play well.”
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While the Lomax switch has paid dividends for the Dragons this season, who are markedly improved on 2023, it has come at a cost.
Earlier in the season, Lomax requested an early release from his contract to link up with Parramatta on a four-year deal, which was announced in mid-April, before he would be selected for the Blues and before coach Brad Arthur was sacked.
There was chatter that Lomax could backflip on the deal to stay with the Dragons, but Eels skipper Clint Gutherson quelled these rumours earlier this week after it was announced Jason Ryles had been named as Parramatta’s new coach from next season.
“I don’t think there was any hesitation from Zac,” Gutherson said.
“He’s been calling me weekly about footy and talking, so I don’t think there was any hesitation there. He’s looking forward to a change … he’s a great player and we’re looking forward to having him.
“I don’t think there was ever any doubt of him coming.”