Parramatta’s search for a head coach is coming towards the end – but the uncertainty over incoming star Zac Lomax has now become an issue.
The 24-year-old will leave the Dragons at the end of this season after agreeing to join the Eels, despite playing the best football of his NRL career under Shane Flanagan.
Lomax has gone from a player with potential to a bona-fide Origin superstar in just a matter of months, with his move to the wing proving to be a masterstroke.
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However, his desire to play in the centres and the results from previous campaigns at St George Illawarra prompted the Temora product to seek and be granted a release.
Lomax’s move to the Eels has become a hot topic in rugby league circles in recent days however, with many calling for the Dragons star to backflip and remain in the Red V, despite the official cooling-off period ending months ago.
Dragons winger Zac Lomax. Getty
The departure of Brad Arthur, who was at the helm when Lomax signed for 2025, coupled with the lack of clarity over his replacement has left many to ponder the move.
According to interim coach Trent Barrett, who remains in the mix to take over full-time, the club needs to make an announcement soon for Lomax’s sake.
“I know Zac very well, he needs to know as well,” he said.
“He probably did sign here under the assumption Brad was coach.
“That’s always difficult for individuals when things like this happen. Once it’s all out in the open it will be better for everyone.”
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Lomax has been pivotal to the Dragons’ surge up the NRL ladder in 2024 and despite shutting down speculation about a backflip, Flanagan has gone on the record to admit the club didn’t want him to leave.
As for the Eels, a decision is expected soon on who will coach the side long-term, with the likes of Jason Ryles and Josh Hannay leading the race.
Barrett was asked whether the impending decision has weighed on the players and assessed his own chances of being signed with the blue and gold for next year.
Trent Barrett is hopeful of leading the Eels next year. Getty
“I think for everyone, the club and the players [need to know],” he said.
“It hasn’t really affected the players too much. They are professionals. It’s not something you go through regularly, but they do have to go through it. Their job is to play well.
“We haven’t quite got the results we wanted over the last few weeks, but they are playing a good style of footy at the moment. We just can’t get over the line.
“We’ve been quite unlucky the last three weeks. We had that really good win over Cronulla and could have won the past three games. If you watched the games, I was pretty happy with the performances, we were just unable to get the win.”
Parramatta will take on the in-form Rabbitohs on Thursday night.