'It was time for a change': Zac Lomax confirms Eels have guaranteed him centre switch

Zac Lomax has declared he will be playing centre for the Eels next year and has thrown his support behind Clint Gutherson's proposed moved to the Dragons after the fullback was granted permission to negotiate with rival teams.

Lomax's former club has emerged as the favourite to land Gutherson's signature following reports the Eels had informed the star they were not in position to offer a contract extension.

It remains unclear if the 30-year-old will be in the blue and gold jersey in 2025 or if the Dragons move will come into immediate effect.

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The looming exit adds to the list of changes made by Parramatta in recent months, having sacked coach Brad Arthur and lost veteran front-rower Reagan Campbell-Gillard to the Gold Coast Titans.

All changes seemingly happened shortly after Lomax inked a $2.6 million four-year deal.

Despite expressing his elation to have the opportunity to join forces with Gutherson next season, Lomax believes a move to the Red V could be a "positive sign" for both the club and Eels skipper's future.

"I'd love Gutho to be at Parra, but I also understand Gutho has to do what's best for him – he's been such a great player, and he still is a great player," Lomax told The Sydney Morning Herald.

"There's talk he might be going to the Dragons. That could be a really good buy for them. Wherever he goes he will be a good player.

"For me, I want to put my best performance in for my country, then I can't wait to get to the Eels. I'm really looking forward to it.

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"(Eels coach Jason Ryles) has kept in touch a fair bit. He's down in Wollongong as well. We've caught up four or five times – I keep in touch with him regularly.

"The good thing is nobody will give us a chance next year. That gives us a bit of motivation already.

"I believe in that roster wholeheartedly, and there are positive signs moving forward."

Lomax is set to make his international debut with the Kangaroos on Friday against Tonga following his breakthrough season, where he starred with the NSW Blues in his Origin debut.

Having played on the wing with the Dragons, Lomax declared he will be moving into the centres when he arrives at the Eels.

"I'll be at centre next year, for sure," he said.

"I love playing wing. I've loved every minute of this season but I want to play centre.

"I wanted to go and test myself. It was time for a change and that change is at Parramatta."