Ugly facts that could leave Zac Lomax with egg on his face after R360's collapse
Zac Lomax's tour of the Western Force's facilities on Tuesday signifies the former NRL winger's intent to sniff out every opportunity possible to shore up his future in the aftermath of R360's postponement.
Lomax travelled to Western Australia with his partner to meet with the Andrew Forrest-owned club on a two-day visit.
Reports in recent weeks have also pointed to a possible career in combat sports, while it's understood his representation has approached French and Japanese rugby teams.
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R360 officials last week announced the competition would not take place in 2026, with financial concerns pushing back the possible start of the competition until 2028.
That served a as kick in the teeth to Lomax, who was literally banking on the competition's viability to leave the NRL.
Lomax was granted a release from his $700,000-a-year contract at Parramatta last month, one season into a four-year deal, while Ryan Papenhuyzen was allowed to cut ties with the Storm with one year left on his contract in similar circumstances.
If Rugby Australia was to somehow snare more NRL talent, especially a couple of years out from a home World Cup, it would in some ways mirror the ARU's strategy in the lead up to the 2003 World Cup.
Mat Rogers, Wendell Sailor and Lote Tuqiri talk tactics under the watch of coach Eddie Jones during the Australian Wallabies Captain's Run at Suncorp Stadium November 7, 2003 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) Getty
Wendell Sailor made the switch first in 2001, with fellow Bronco Lote Tuqiri and Mat Rogers turning to the 15-man game and forming a significant part of the promotional drive for the tournament.
They also held starting positions in the team and were critical in Australia's run to the World Cup final in Sydney. Tuqiri scored a try to open the decider against England.
Rugby Australia has already lured back Mark Nawaqnitawase and Joseph-Aukuso Sua'alii, but both players have history in rugby and started there before playing in the NRL.
Papenhuyzen played schoolboy rugby but Lomax has not spent any time in the game.
Yet he was arguably the best aerial threat in the NRL and his game would be well suited to the wing in the 15-man code, even though he has the strength and speed to play just about anywhere in the outside backs.
The sticking point would be his asking price. Lomax left $2.1 million on the table at the Eels to chase the riches proposed by R360.
Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen Getty
If he wanted to join the Western Force, he'd have to take a pay cut due to top players in Super Rugby earning roughly $200,000.
The remainder would be topped up by Rugby Australia, although CEO Phil Waugh is a rugby man through and through, and paying top dollar to take a punt on a code switch for a player without rugby experience, in a position where the Wallabies are already well served, would likely colour his thinking.
The fact that Lomax has spoken about competing in combat sports also suggests the kind of money he's after, making the trip to Western Australia all the more intriguing.
While NRL boss Peter V'landys said Lomax would be welcome back in the NRL, the Eels have his playing rights until 2029, meaning he can't play for another team without their permission.
Perth Bears coach Mal Meninga said the new NRL franchise would be silly not to inquire about Lomax if he's available but there's been no report of Lomax visiting the Perth Bears while meeting the Force.
