NRL Anzac Day pitch invader who grabbed Dragons’ Zac Lomax charged

An NRL pitch invader described as “dangerous” by Roosters skipper James Tedesco has been charged by NSW Police.

Allianz Stadium is under fire for its security response after a pitch invader was able to jog onto the playing surface and allegedly grab Dragons centre Zac Lomax during the annual Anzac Day clash against the Sydney Roosters.

The 19-year-old Maroubra man is due to face Downing Centre Local Court on Thursday April 26 after being charged with common assault.

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The Roosters led by a point with five minutes remaining in the second half when the shirtless man allegedly meandered onto the ground, jogging up to Lomax and hugging him before he was escorted away.

At no point had the invader broken out into a sprint when he reached the centre of the ground, with Fox Sports NRL editor Eamonn Tiernan noting how slow the response was on-field, despite the sold-out crowd of over 41,000.

Pitch invader managed to hug Dragons centre Zac Lomax. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

“Not sure I’ve seen a more casual security response to a pitch invader. Bloke had time to hug Dragons centre Zac Lomax,” Tiernan said.

The game was paused at the time, with the players awaiting the outcome of a captain’s challenge and with their backs turned to the invader.

Roosters captain James Tedesco said security had to be better.

“It’s very dangerous,” Tedesco said.

“Who know what the invader could have on them or (if they want to) attack a player.

“It is a bit scary.

“Obviously security needs to be a bit better there and not allow pitch invaders to get in contact with any players.”

James Tedesco called the security effort “very dangerous”. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Dragons skipper Ben Hunt also said the onus was on the security staff.

“I guess it is a bit of a concern if someone can get to a player and tackle them or something like that,” Hunt said.

“I guess it’s dangerous, but what can you do?

“You can’t put 1000 security around the fence. You’ve just got to be aware of them when they come.”

The NRL has dealt with a recent wave of crowd invasions, most notably last year when former Canberra player Mark McLinden ran onto the pitch at Accor Stadium at last year’s grand final wearing a shirt that read “end coal, gas and oil”.

Pitch invasion at Allianz Stadium or the Sydney Cricket Ground carries fines of up to $5500, with ban notices able to be served for up to two years.

Originally published as NRL Anzac Day pitch invader who grabbed Dragons’ Zac Lomax charged