St George Illawarra’s Zac Lomax prefers to play five-eighth if coach Shane Flanagan needs him there

Dragons star Zac Lomax has revealed his shock favourite position ahead of the 2024 season under Shane Flanagan, with a switch away from centre looming.

Zac Lomax of the Dragons. Picture: Getty Images

Zac Lomax has revealed he’d love to make the switch to five-eighth next season as he prepares for a career revival under Shane Flanagan at St George Illawarra.

The 24-year-old has played most of his career in the centres but in an in-depth interview with James Graham on The Bye Round podcast, Lomax admitted he’s open to the surprising positional change.

Lomax will likely do some training at fullback during the pre-season, which starts next month, and wants to get his hands on the ball more in 2024.

And with the future of five-eighth Junior Amone up in the air due to an off-field court case, a switch to the halves could be the right fit.

“Ideally if I could play anywhere I would play five-eighth,” Lomax said.

“We’ve got some good options there in Kyle (Flanagan) and Birdy (Jack Bird), so we won’t be too short, and obviously Dozer (Ben Hunt) is No.7 so not a bad half to pair up with.”

Without having picked up a ball in pre-season, Lomax believes he’ll be in the centres in 2024, but says incoming coach Flanagan will unlock his game no matter where he’s playing on the field.

“Wherever Flanno wants me to play I am happy to play,” he said.

“We have spoken about it and he wants me to do a fair bit of training at fullback... just about getting some early pill.

Shane Flanagan. Picture: Julian Andrews

“I’m not saying I will be fullback round 1 because Sloany (Tyrell Sloan) is there at fullback as well, but it is just about bringing me in the game a little bit more.

“The swing shape allows me to be in the game a little bit more and play a roaming role.”

It would work in the same fashion that Tom Trbojevic plays for NSW during State of Origin, as a centre who goes looking for work.”

And that’s the way Lomax feels he plays his best football.

WORKING WITH FLANAGAN

Flanagan’s premiership experience with Cronulla and time at the Dragons as an assistant coach to Paul McGregor means Lomax knows what to expect from the new man in charge.

He said Flanagan’s style of play - tough defensive attitude and focus on attack - will be ideal for the Dragons to reignite their game.

“Back then when Mary was the coach, I got along really well with Flanno, and I still do, I just love his willingness to educate players all the time… he’s straight to the point and bullish in what he wants,” Lomax said.

“He just gets it, he’s won a comp and been around a lot of experience.

“His defence is attitude based but with ball in hand attacking wide, he loves to play footy.

“That’s the kind of player I am too.”

“It’s knowing what my best game looks like, and I feel like if I’m chasing the footy that’s when I’m playing my best footy.”

Zac Lomax is looking forward to playing under Shane Flanagan. Picture: Getty Images

TURNING POINT

No matter what Flanagan implements, the Dragons need to buy into it.

Lomax is returning from the off-season early in November to get a start on day one under the new coach because he’s desperate to turn around their losing form of the last few years.

“Whatever it is, we just have to buy into it as players,” Lomax said.

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes.

“I was fortunate enough to walk into a finals series when I debuted and it was the best feeling ever, and since then we’ve pretty much won f*** all to be honest.

“Whatever it is, Flanno gets it, he’s won he’s had success. So we just have to buy into it, whatever it is. I’m backing him 100 per cent.

“As a leadership group too and we just have to back him.

“I’m just sick of losing man.”