'Will be tough': Zac Lomax debate continues as former teammate casts doubt on Eels move
Zac Lomax's move to Parramatta will be one of the big talking points heading into 2025 - but his red-hot form on the wing this year is creating plenty of debate.
The 25-year-old finally reached his enormous potential at the Dragons after a mixed few years at the club, making his debut for both NSW and Australia.
Lomax's rise came after a positional switch from the centres to the wing, which resulted in the Temora product asking for an early release from his St George Illawarra contract.
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With a change of clubs in the off-season, Lomax is now expected to move back into the centres under new Eels coach Jason Ryles.
Zac Lomax during pre-season training with the Eels. Parramatta Eels
However, according to former Dragons teammate and English great Gareth Widdop, it might be a hard task for Lomax to swap roles again.
"He's heavily involved in the game from the wing - he can jump, he can catch and it's amazing what he's done," he said on The Bye Round Podcast.
"The simple role that he's been given is what has allowed him to go on. He is a big strong thing and he carries the ball and he's fit. I think he's really found his home there and I think he's got a long career, especially at the rep level if he keeps that form up.
"It will be tough for him to move from that position now. Obviously he is going to Parra, but it will be interesting to see what Rylesy and that end up doing."
Lomax finished his final year in the Red V with 14 tries and 76 tackle breaks, while also starring for the Blues in their successful State of Origin series.
Zac Lomax celebrates a try for the Dragons. Getty
James Graham - another former teammate of Lomax's at the join venture - admits he was "blown away" by the turnaround in fortunes and explained why he is pushing to play in the No.3 or No.4 jumper next year at the Eels.
"It's easier to play centre and harder to play on the wing," he said.
"It has become a difficult position to play.
"Centre is a lot of thinking, but it's not as physically demanding on the body."
The likes of Sean Russell, Bailey Simonsson, Will Penisini and Joash Papalii are expected to battle it out for spots in the Parramatta backline when round one rolls around.
