Zac Lomax’s shock code switch revealed after quitting NRL
Only weeks after walking away from his NRL contract, Zac Lomax is eyeing off a code switch no one saw coming.
Zac Lomax’s sporting career appears headed for a code switch not many would have seen coming.
The 26-year-old walked away from the NRL with the Parramatta Eels agreeing to cut him loose only one year into a four-year contract.
While expectation is that he will ultimately sign a deal with either French Rugby or R360, the star winger is now eyeing off a debut in a completely different sport.
Instead of lacing up his boots, Lomax has been lacing up the gloves and could be staring down a boxing or MMA bout in the coming months.
Lomax has been spotted training inside the Wollongong gym of former UFC pound for pound superstar Alexander Volkanovski.
According to Fox Sports Australia, Lomax is said to be “100 per cent interested” in stepping foot inside the ring and making his debut.
“Exactly what happens will be up to Zac,” Volkanovski’s coach Joe Lopez said to Fox Sports.
“But I just know that when he isn’t training for footy, he’s always here doing stuff with us.
“When it comes to world class boxers, no not yet. But if Zac was going to fight, say, another couple of NRL players, I think he smokes ‘em.”
Lomax has previously spoken about his love of being inside the Octagon and revealed he almost walked away from the NRL during his contract saga with the St George Illawarra Dragons.
“Being down in Wollongong I was fortunate enough to do a bit of training with Volk and his coach and I just fell in love with is straight away,” he said on Fox Sports in footage you can watch in the video player above.
“I’ve been a boxing fan since I was a kid but rubbing shoulders with those guys I fell in love with the UFC.”
He added: “I remember (during the contract saga) talking to my family a little bit about things.
“I was weighing up different options and thinking about where my passions were leaning.
“And again, boxing and MMA is something I love.”
With plenty of options on offer for his future, one that appears likely to be taken off the table is a return to the NRL.
If Lomax does sign with R360, he could be smacked with a 10-year ban — under the tough stance taken by NRL supremo Peter V’landys against the rival code.
The rebel league has reportedly offered Australian rugby league and union players tax free deals worth more than US$1million (A$1.5 million) per season.
V’landys however said the NRL will consider withdrawing 10-year bans for players if they meet exceptional circumstances if they eventually show interest in returning to the 13-man code.
“The commission has a clear duty to act in the best interests of rugby league and its fans – and we will take all necessary steps to protect the future of the game,” V’landys said.
“Unfortunately, there will always be organisations that seek to pirate our game for potential financial gain. They don’t invest in pathways or the development of players – they simply exploit the hard work of others, putting players at risk of financial loss while profiting themselves. They are, in reality, counterfeiting a code.
“Accordingly, if it all goes wrong it’s the players who suffer most. Every stakeholder must be accountable to the standards our fans expect. We’ve listened to our clubs, and we’ve acted decisively.”
R360 will kick off on October 2 in 2026 after organisers secured the required funding and players.
Founded by former England rugby player Mike Tindall, R360 is throwing eye-watering contracts at NRL players with the money on offer proving simply too good to refuse for some.
A player draft will be held in the middle of next year, with the inaugural R360 season to begin with six men’s teams, starting on October 2 and finishing before Christmas. None of the teams will be based in Australia.
The second season in 2027 would run from April to September and feature 12 rounds.
Originally published as Zac Lomax’s shock code switch revealed after quitting NRL
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