Dual international star says Wallabies ‘spots available’ with Lomax weighing options
Dual-code great Lote Tuqiri has urged Zac Lomax to “put his hand up” for the Wallabies as the Parramatta centre weighs his next move following the collapse of the rebel R360 competition.
Lomax had secured an early release from the Eels to join the breakaway league, but with the project delayed until at least 2028, the 25-year-old suddenly finds himself without a home.
Under the terms of his exit from Parramatta, Lomax cannot sign with another NRL club until that same year, leaving a two-season gap the star will now need to fill overseas or in another code.
His agent Clinton Schifcofske said Lomax would look broadly at his options.
Zac Lomax of the Blues celebrates with team mates after scoring a try during game one of the Men’s State of Origin series between Queensland Maroons and New South Wales Blues at Suncorp Stadium on May 28, 2025 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
“Zac has options. Zac has always been interested in other things so he can pick and choose now,” Schifcofske said. “There’s no shortage of interest. We’ll make a final decision shortly.”
While combat sports has emerged as a possible avenue Tuqiri believes Lomax should be aiming much higher: the 2027 home Rugby World Cup.
And Tuqiri said the Wallabies would have to consider Lomax.
“The Wallabies would look at him, for sure. Not too many blokes in the current squad have put up their hands. There are spots available,” Tuqiri told Code Sports.
“Lomax would be successful in rugby union. He is great under the high ball, he’s one of the best exponents in rugby league, he is a goal kicker, a big body, he’s aggressive and has a kicking game.”
Tuqiri knows the pathway better than most. After beginning his career with the Broncos, he became one of rugby’s most successful converts, playing 67 Tests for Australia and starring at the 2003 World Cup. He said Lomax has the skill set, temperament and athletic profile to thrive in a similar transition.
“I’d tell him to go chase the money overseas, come back for a Super Rugby season and then have a crack at the World Cup,” Tuqiri said.
“Everyone is chasing deals in France or Japan but Lomax is a world-class athlete so he will find somewhere.”
Reports suggest Lomax already has interest from clubs in Japan and France and was unlikely to have accepted an NRL release without a contract for 2026 close to finalisation.
Any potential Wallabies tilt would come at an intriguing moment for Australian rugby. While the British & Irish Lions tour produced some encouraging signs, the Wallabies’ 2025 season ended on a sour note with four losses in Europe – the first winless northern tour by an Australian side in 67 years.
With a home World Cup just two years away, Rugby Australia is still in need of players capable of lifting the Test side back into global contention.
“He’s a guy who could bring something different – aerial skills, physicality, game-breaking ability,” Tuqiri said. “There are opportunities there if he wants to take them.”
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