'It's pretty hard': Joseph Suaalii's warning to Zac Lomax as 'special' NRL star eyes code switch

Joseph Suaalii believes Zac Lomax has the talent to succeed in rugby union, but warned the exiled NRL star it will be "pretty hard" to make the switch.

The 26-year-old's messy contract saga took an unwanted turn this week when his touted move to the Melbourne Storm fell over just days out from the season kicking off, leaving him in the rugby league wilderness.

Lomax will not be able to play for another club without Parramatta's written consent until 2028 after agreeing to terms upon his release last year.

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The winger was slated to join R360 before the competition's start date was delayed and is still weighing up a move to the 15-man code, albeit on far less money than he initially anticipated, after been spotted at Rugby Australia headquarters this week.

Speaking to media on Thursday about the possible code switch, Suaalii - who played alongside Lomax at State of Origin level in 2024 - backed the former Eels star to make it happen and believes he has the right physical tools to succeed.

"Zac is a special player," the NSW Waratahs and Wallabies superstar said.

"We've seen what he's done in league and with the opportunity for him to come across, I think a lot of rugby people would love for him to come across.

"I'm not sure what he's gonna do, but he can definitely play the game I believe.

"I've only played one game with him and I've played against him as well and he has the ability to do it. Zac has the aerial ability, he can kick a ball, he's strong and he's fast.

"He's a very good rugby league player and I'm sure that if he wants to come across, he will be a very good rugby player as well. 

"I think it's a great thing [players switching codes]. I've done it myself and I feel like it grows the game. If the opportunity does come for Zac, it would be a great move."

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Lomax has scored 58 tries and kicked 368 goals during his time with the Dragons and Eels, but his experience in rugby union is limited and hasn't played since a young age.

That's why according to Suaalii, who has a prodigious schoolboy rugby standout before initially choosing to play league with the Sydney Roosters, it won't be easy for Lomax.

"I believe it's pretty hard," he said.

"You've got to learn the little details of the game, it's a whole completely different game. People compare it and I do believe it's a whole different game, but if you've got an open mind and good mindset, a lot of people can come across.

"The game speaks for itself, you get to play in different countries like England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales. For myself in the last year and a half, I've been able to experience all these different  countries and have my parents come across as well.

"I feel like that's been a special thing and for Zac, I'm not sure I'm the one pitching to him - I think he knows that's what the game of rugby brings to him.

"That's in the back of his mind to be able to travel the world, but at the end of the day it's what he wants to do with his career and it's his decision."

Suaalii was also asked about the potential of moving back to the NRL himself when his multi-million-dollar contract with RA expires, but immediately shut it down.

"I haven't thought about it once since I have stepped foot here," he said.

"I've loved every single moment I've had, being able to travel and my new teammates who have become real good friends as well.

"I haven't looked back and I'm just building all the way until the World Cup."

Suaalii will run out for the Waratahs on Friday night against the Hurricanes.