'No-brainer': Ex-Wallabies Turinui, Phipps break down Zac Lomax's rugby switch, World Cup potential

Wallabies great Morgan Turinui believes Zac Lomax could make his rugby debut in the next fortnight as the star winger prepares to settle into life in a new sporting code.

Lomax announced that he had jumped across to play rugby on Monday, inking a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Western Force.

The announcement came days after Parramatta blocked his move to NRL rival the Melbourne Storm, which had left him in limbo for the 2026.

Watch the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season with every match streaming live and on demand on the home of rugby, Stan Sport

Lomax made it clear that he wanted out of the Eels after one season at the club, initially quitting to pursue R360 before the rebel rugby competition delayed its start by two years.

The 26-year-old, who can't play for another NRL team without Parramatta's written consent until 2028, was later seen outside Rugby Australia headquarters at Moore Park.

Rugby Australia confirmed Lomax has joined the competition with immediate effect, with the player himself admitting he is ready to embrace the "huge opportunity" ahead.

READ MORE: Left-field contenders emerge for star's inevitable NRL return

READ MORE: World title stripped as defiant Opetaia stuns in 'A-plus' debut

READ MORE: Vegas carnage forces change as cavalry arrives for Dolphins

"Stepping into a new code will push me as a player and that's something that genuinely motivates me," Lomax said in a statement.

"Like any player, the dream of one day representing the Wallabies on a truly international stage and potentially competing at a Rugby World Cup is a powerful motivation.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity and can't wait to get started in Perth and begin this next chapter of my career."

Western Force coach Simon Cron revealed that he has been in talks with Lomax since late last year and was glad he had decided to make the move to Perth.

As for where Lomax fits into the Force's line-up, Turinui had a simple answer.

"If you come across as a rugby league convert, the easiest place to play is on the wing," he said on Stan Sport's Between Two Posts.

Nick Phipps, a former Wallaby, agreed.

"You could play him anywhere, but when you are trying to get him settled in the middle of the season, just chuck him on the wing," he said.

"Then when the options start to open you can let him find different homes, whether that be at fullback, inside or outside centre."

Turinui recognised that one key difference between Lomax and Suaalii's transition into rugby is the timing of the 26-year-old's arrival at the Western Force.

Suaalii and fellow NRL convert Crichton both made the move at the end of the season, meaning they had more time to learn before competition started.

Turinui noted the biggest challenge for Lomax will be picking up the different set pieces and working out the breakdown.

The time it takes for players with little experience of the game to learn those key parts of the 15-man game varies, but the rugby great believes within a year Lomax will be "comfortable" playing the sport.

"To be effective, influential and valuable, (he will learn) very quickly as a winger," he said.

"The big difference with league and union that I found is in league you have times where you can switch off a little bit. If you are on the wing, the ball is on the far right and you are on the left edge, you can have 30 seconds to just chill and wait for the ball.

"In union, every single play where the ball is in play is a contest. You have to be switched on. If you are switched off then you will miss your role and leave space open for the opposition that will be taken. It is the continuous nature of focus in union that is tough.

"The wing is as easy as it can be. You just have to learn your contact skills and runs.

"He is at training tomorrow, if not today," Turinui continued.

"The best place to find him would be in a No.23 Western Force jersey within a fortnight hopefully, with 20 minutes of power off the bench on the wing."

The code switch means Lomax will be available to play for the Wallabies at the 2027 World Cup, but there are no guarantees that even a player with as much talent as he possesses will make the squad.

He has one trait, however, that could elevate his World Cup ambitions.

"What is absolutely crucial at the minute is that he is a fantastic goal kicker, which we don't have a lot of at the minute," Turinui said.

"It is an absolute no-brainer this signing."

Phipps added: "I think it is pretty understated how big of a deal he is in rugby league.

"He is a Blues player that was also on the Kangaroos tour last year. He is such a big name to come across and he will do well over there because Perth is quite hidden away, so he can learn about the game without too much added pressure.

"The more we get the best talent in the game, the better the game is going to go.

"There is obviously so much talent in the outside backs in the Wallabies. He has a big task ahead of him to work his way, not only into the Force team, but potentially the Wallabies team.

"It is good to have these big name signings coming across to the game.

"I'd love to be a fly on the wall at training to see him hit his first breakdown. Just to see how he adapts to the union style, but I think it will be great for the game."

It is unclear when Lomax will make his debut for the Western Force.

Cron's men will next take to the field on Friday against the Hurricanes.