NRL 2024: St George Illawarra Dragons defeat Wests Tigers 24-12, Zac Lomax shines from wing

While his exit from the Dragons appears to be all but confirmed, Zac Lomax continues to put in some career-best form for the Red V with another top performance, as did another Dragons player with an unresolved contract.

St George Illawarra’s Zac Lomax is expected to confirm his move to Parramatta in coming days and over 80 brilliant minutes at Campbelltown Stadium on Sunday afternoon, he showed once again why the Eels have shelled out $2.7 million to convince him to switch clubs.

Lomax was outstanding against the Wests Tigers, scoring one try and almost setting up another with a moment of inspired genius, only for captain Ben Hunt to spill his lollies with the tryline beckoning.

It didn’t matter in the end. The Dragons were far too good for their disappointing opposition, silencing a sold-out crowd and prompting coach Shane Flanagan to suggest it was another step in the right direction for his rebuilding club.

For that, Flanagan and the Dragons owed a debt of gratitude to Lomax. His future has been in the headlines for weeks but to his eternal credit, Lomax hasn’t let it affect his form.

So good is he playing, he has fielded a call from NSW coach Michael Maguire and his Dragons teammate Ben Hunt – a fixture in the Queensland side – shudders at the thought of him pulling on a sky blue jersey.

“As a Queenslander, I wouldn’t want him in there,” Hunt said.

Zac Lomax impressed from winger yet again for the Dragons. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

“He competes hard on everything. I think he suits it to be honest.”

He’ll be hard to keep out if he maintains his form.

“He was good, real good,” Flanagan said.

“I never doubted Zac’s ability that’s for sure. It was his decision to want to leave the club, not ours.

“Players leave clubs, players come to clubs. We have him this year and we will make the most for it.”

The Dragons celebrate Lomax’s try. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Flanagan then cheekily suggested he was doing an outstanding job on the wing – Lomax is said to be unhappy at playing the position, although his performances suggest otherwise.

“He is an athlete and a great player – he is doing a great job for us,” Flanagan said.

He wasn’t the only one doing a great job on Sunday afternoon which was crying out for a strong performance from the home side.

Tigers fans began queuing more than an hour before kick-off and many were still waiting to find their way into the ground when the game began.

Once they settled into their seats, there was only bitter disappointment.

Jaydn Su’A is another contract issue the Dragons need to resolve. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

The Dragons never gave their opposition a sniff and another contract rebel – Jaydn Su’A – was rewarded with a try off his own that put the result beyond doubt.

Su’A has an offer on the table from the Dragons but is taking his time to accept it.

Again, it hasn’t affected his form in recent weeks.

“Once again, he is very similar to the rest of the team – he has his moments,” Flanagan said.

“He had some good ones today. As I said, we just need to be more consistent across the team.”

The Dragons’ performance was all the more impressive given centre Jack Bird was forced off late in the first half after the video bunker ruled him out of the game with a head knock.

Players scuffle after a high tackle on Zac Lomax by David Klemmer. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Dragons officials argued against the decision, but they walked away disappointed and Bird will miss their game against the Warriors this week.

The Tigers may be short of some stars as well as they prepare to take on premiers Penrith – prop David Klemmer was placed on report for a high shot on Kyle Flanagan late in the match.

The good news is that teenager Lachie Galvin will return from suspension and he will walk straight back into the halves given Jayden Sullivan was unconvincing against his former club.

The Tigers have made huge strides this season but even coach Benji Marshall conceded their effort on Sunday was a step back.

“I thought that was probably our worst performance of the season,” Marshall said.

“I talk about standards at every press conference and today we were probably furthest away from the things we have been practising.

“Today I thought we bumbled around a lot and were looking for a soft way to win at the start. It looked like today it was St George’s home game – they have more energy and intent than us.”

Originally published as NRL 2024: St George Illawarra Dragons defeat Wests Tigers 24-12, Zac Lomax shines from wing