Why ex-Dragons coach has doubts over touted Lomax move
Updated . First published
Shane Flanagan has cast doubt over code-hopping star Zac Lomax’s touted move to the PNG Chiefs for their debut 2028 season.
As first reported by Nine’s Danny Weidler last week, the former State of Origin star is in “serious negotiations” with the expansion team.
Zac Lomax. Getty
However, according to Flanagan - who coached the star winger at the Dragons - living in Port Moresby could be difficult for Lomax.
“I don’t know,” he said on Triple M’s The Journos podcast.
“He’s just got engaged, I think his partner is having a baby soon and it’s a long way away from Temora, where he could just shoot home for a weekend. He’s pretty close to his family members. I know he went to Perth and is away from them.
“I just get the feel that Zac Lomax might not be that compound-type person.”
Lomax was released by the Eels at the end of last season to join R360, but once the rebel competition fell over, he attempted to join the Storm.
Parramatta had strict clauses upon Lomax’s release, leading to a lengthy legal battle with Melbourne before the touted move fell over.
The 26-year-old has since joined the Western Force on a two-year deal and is hoping to feature in next year’s Rugby World Cup for the Wallabies.
It comes after the Storm attempted to revive their plans to land Lomax for 2027, potentially in a swap deal that would send Jack Howarth to the Eels.
Those negotiations have stalled for now and it could see Lomax head to the Chiefs and join some already high-profile first-season recruits.
Jarome Luai was the PNG club’s first signing, before general manager Michael Chammas managed to snare Alex Johnston and Connor Watson.
In recent days, Joseph Manu was spotted with Chammas for a tour of PNG. He could join the bold recruitment spree leading into 2028.
