NRL 2024: Coach Brad Arthur reveals Parramatta’s pursuit of Dragons star Zac Lomax is at a stand still as crunch talks loom

Zac Lomax wants out of St George Illawarra because the Dragons star doesn’t believe he is a winger. But his numbers are telling a different story. It comes as Parramatta coach Brad Arthur gives an update on the Eels’ pursuit of the star.

Zac Lomax was fired up after beating Manly. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Parramatta coach Brad Arthur has revealed the club’s interest in Zac Lomax is at a “stand still”, as Shane Flanagan declares he will only entertain a player swap if it’s for a “top three” player from a rival roster.

It comes as Lomax is preparing to ask for an immediate release again this week.

The Dragons coach conceded another release request ‘would not surprise him” but Flanagan is adamant he will play hard ball on the issue and not likely to let Lomax walk away in 2024.

“It wouldn’t surprise me to be honest,” Flanagan said on Triple M.

“What do I want for it? I want something very very good for it, if I’m going to swap him or let him out of his contract. It’ll be the top two or three players at any club because that’s where he is at our club. I’m making sure I play hard ball on this one, the club has got to come out of it as a positive.”

The Eels are viewed as the front runner to land the 24-year-old, who is seeking a release from a $800,000 per-season deal which runs until the end of 2026.

Shane Flanagan says it’ll take a “top two or three” player for a Lomax swap deal to take place. Picture: NRL Photos

The Eels, who are looking to add strike to outside back stocks, have been unable to progress the club’s interest in Lomax as a result of the stalemate between the two parties.

“The club went through the front door, we’ve had conversations with the Dragons and it’s at a stand still, and we’ll leave it at that,” Arthur said on Sunday.

A player swap for Blaize Talagi, who will wear the No. 6 jumper against the Wests Tigers on Monday, has been floated as an idea.

But the Eels are unlikely to entertain a player swap for a local junior with the pedigree of Talagi.

Eels coach Brad Arthur confirmed the club’s interest in Zac Lomax. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan is in the midst of a roster rebuild and is looking to shore up forward stocks. The possibility of a player swap with an Eels forward for Lomax has been mentioned.

The first signs of trouble for the Dragons appeared after Flanagan decided to shift Lomax onto the right wing from his usual position in the centres.

Word quickly spread that Lomax was unhappy with the coach’s decision. But Lomax’s discontent is not showing on the field.

“All I know is, he’ll be there this year and if a player is disgruntled, you wouldn’t see it, the way he is around the club and the way he is playing at the moment,” Flanagan said.

“I’m not sure about the immediate swap deal, it’s a bit of a disruption.”

Lomax has not only passed the eye test as a winger, his numbers from the opening month of the season show he is thriving in the new position.

Zac Lomax has been in great form. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

After four games, Lomax is leading the competition for total runs, in any position, with 88 so far, ahead of Penrith fullback Dylan Edwards (81) and Panthers winger Brian To’o (77).

Lomax is also third, behind Edwards (854m) and To’o (772m) for total run metres with 683 run metres.

In the wingers stakes, Lomax is second for tackle busts (21), behind To’o (31).

It’s the kind of effort sure to silence critics who have questioned Lomax’s work rate but also his hefty price tag. But also serves as proof that Lomax’s best position is on the wing rather than at centre or fullback.

While some pundits have suggested Lomax’s surge in form is an audition for future potential suitors, right now, it’s the Dragons and Flanagan that are reaping the benefits.

Already, Lomax’s form has captured the attention of new NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire.

“He’s definitely the type of player that I reckon ‘Madge’ would like,” Dragons skipper Ben Hunt said earlier this month.

“Madge is really well known for his hard work and (liking) players that always give 100 per cent effort, and that’s what Zac is.

“It’d be silly if Madge wasn’t looking at him.”