'Hasn't been ideal': Zac Lomax puts messy NRL exit behind him in first interview after signing with Force

Rugby Australia recruit Zac Lomax said he had no regrets about asking the Parramatta Eels for a release as he fronted a packed press conference in his new Western Force kit on Tuesday.

It would be fair to say playing for the Force wasn't a childhood dream of Lomax's but he fell into their lap after R360 failed to materialise and the Eels blocked the NRL star's move to the Melbourne Storm.

"No, not at all, not at all," Lomax said when asked if he had any regrets.

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"I mean, at the end of the day, mate, it's me that's made the decisions and it's me that has the consequences, you know what I mean... no-one else."

Lomax was also asked whether he harboured any resentment towards the Eels for blocking the Storm move.

He has been kicked on the way out the door from a variety of league figures but was classy, if guarded, in his first rugby press conference.

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"I've been so thankful and so fortunate to be able to have a successful career in the NRL," the 26-year-old replied.

"I love everything that they've been able to give me and my family, and I've been able to play the game at the highest level, and that's something that I'm super proud of. I've played with Parramatta and the Dragons, and was pursued with Storm to try and make something happen, but obviously results didn't allow that.

"It's all about for me, looking forward to the the future, and becoming the best rugby union player I possibly can."

Lomax is expected to debut for the Force as soon as this month, either at fullback or on the wing.

He admitted the media spotlight had been tough as a messy contract saga played out this year.

"There's obviously been a whole heap of scenarios that have come out," Lomax said.

"It definitely hasn't been ideal, but at the same time, to be able to make a decision and move on from it, it's positive, that's my focus.

"I've been able to make a decision now, and I want to just be able to move on from it. I can't wait to get over to Perth and become the best rugby union player that I possibly can. I know I've got a lot to learn, and that's something that truly excites me."

Lomax played rugby at school until 2015 and had spoken with Wallabies prop Angus Bell - who he counts as a good friend - and dual code great Sonny Bill Williams before making the move.

Lomax was quoted in RA's press release saying that rugby is a "truly international sport."

Some NRL types took that as a sledge but Lomax said it was innocent.

"Comments can be taken many different ways, but for me, it's the reality is that rugby is a truly global sport," he said.

"It's played in more than 100 different countries, and I guess from my point of view, like, that's something that absolutely attracts me as a player… the travel that they do (around) the world.

"Everyone that I speak to in regards to rugby and playing for the Wallabies and travelling all around the world, that's the first thing that makes their eyes light up."

Catch Zac Lomax's exclusive interview with Michael Atkinson on Stan Sport