Dragons and Blues star Zac Lomax has opened up on his reported angst regarding his switch to the wing in 2024, claiming he “never” expressed a desire to block the move.
Upon his arrival at the club, Shane Flanagan shifted Lomax one position out in the backline with Moses Suli and Jack Bird beginning the season as the club’s preferred centres.
Reports emerged Lomax was unhappy with his new coach’s decision, however the Red V star has been a revelation on the wing and earnt his Blues debut in his new position.
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Speaking to the SMH, the NSW flyer denied he has any ill feeling towards his switch.
“I have never come out and said, ‘I don’t want to play wing’, and my teammates know I will play and compete and do whatever is best for the team in any position,” Lomax said.
“I’ve had so many different coaches that have liked different things.
“Some liked me competing on the ball, others didn’t want me competing on the ball, some wanted me contesting kicks, some didn’t want me contesting kicks.
“I thought to myself, ‘I’ll just back myself and do what I think works’, and if it works, it works, if it doesn’t, I’ll reassess and go again.
“I just want to bring that effort on and off the ball. If I do that, I’m helping the team.”
Meanwhile, Flanagan told media on Friday he believes Lomax’s switch to the wing has been justified amid his career-best campaign.
“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.
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“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.”
Lomax requested a release from his Dragons contract earlier this season, signing a four-year deal with the Eels in April which begins in 2025.
Interestingly, Lomax also revealed his new contract includes a clause which will allow him to partake in any potential boxing bouts.
The Dragons star explained he’s “obsessed” with the sport and often spends his time watching old fights.
“Boxing, for instance. I’m obsessed with it and love it. I thoroughly enjoy it, it’s an art, and every time you spar, you learn something,” Lomax said.
“I’ve got it in my Parramatta contract I can fight, but it can also be taxing on the body, and this year has already been big.”