Dragons cut Zac Lomax loose in brutal $800,000 move

The St George Illawarra have announced they are parting ways with an under fire, highly paid player who’s already been linked to rivals.

The Dragons have released Zac Lomax. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Zac Lomax has been cut loose by St George Illawarra with the Dragons giving him permission to leave the club.

On Tuesday the Dragons confirmed Lomax was free to negotiate with rival clubs, allowing him to depart at the end of the season.

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The 24-year-old local junior is contracted through to the end of the 2026 season but is believed to be disgruntled over new coach Shane Flanagan playing him on the wing instead of the centres.

In a statement, the Dragons said they had “reached an agreement with Zac Lomax and his management for his departure from the club at the conclusion of the current season”.

The Dragons are letting Zac Lomax go.

“His contracted years for 2025 and 2026 will be terminated with no financial contribution to be made by the club in these years, allowing him the freedom to explore opportunities with other clubs effective immediately,” the statement said.

“The club will only consider a release this year if a player of considerable standing is offered in return which our Head Coach Shane Flanagan is comfortable with.”

“By finalising this decision now, it provides both Zac and the club with clarity regarding the future, allowing us time to strategise for the upcoming seasons,” Dragons CEO Ryan Webb said.

“This arrangement enables the Dragons to focus on refining our top 30 roster and utilising additional cap space, while Zac can pursue his future endeavours with another club.”

Flanagan said: “Zac has consistently demonstrated his talent and dedication to the club, especially in the face of external noise.”

“We have full confidence that he will maintain his high level of performance for the remainder of the season, benefiting all those associated with the Dragons.”

The Parramatta Eels are believed to be interested in recruiting Lomax, while his departure would free up the Dragons to pursue a big-name recruit.

Lomax is one of the Dragons highest paid players. Picture: David Swift

Cronulla Sharks legend Paul Gallen told Nine’s 100% Footy he couldn’t understand why Lomax would want to leave the Dragons.

“By the sounds of it he’s going to go and I don’t really understand why,” Gallen said.

“If you’re picking the NSW team today or very, very soon he’s in conversation for a wing spot ... if he’s still in the centres he’s not in the conversation.

“I don’t think he’s in the conversation, but I think if he’s on the wing he’s a chance.”

The Dragons could replace Lomax with a cheaper contract if they are able to lure out of contract Panthers winger Sunia Turuva.

Last year’s NRL Rookie of the Year has been offered a $350,000 contract by the Panthers but could command $500k on the open market.

St George Illawarra beat Manly 20-12 on Saturday and sit 13th on the ladder with two wins from four games.

Originally published as Dragons cut Zac Lomax loose in brutal $800,000 move