Zac Lomax encouraged to pursue Wallabies World Cup selection with NRL career seemingly over

Zac Lomax’s time in rugby league appear over after his Eels exit, but a dual international has implored the star to pursue a code switch in a bid to earn Wallabies selection for the 2027 World Cup.

Dual international Lote Tuqiri has implored ex-NRL star Zac Lomax to secure a rich overseas rugby union contract before targeting selection for Australia’s Wallabies at the 2027 World Cup.

Lomax could then play the inaugural R360 season in 2028.

This masthead has been told Lomax’s career in rugby league appears over.

There was confusion over the weekend around where Lomax would next play given R360 announced on Friday that it would delay its rebel competition by two years.

Tuqiri has urged Lomax to play a Super Rugby season after a stint in France or Japan before pushing for inclusion in the rugby union World Cup squad.

Right now, Lomax is without a club for next season although some close to the ex-NSW star insist he would have nailed down an overseas rugby union franchise before quitting Parramatta.

Zac Lomax is without a club for next season. Picture: NRL Photos

But the French Top 14 rugby union season started in September and Japan’s League One commences in December so most playing rosters have been completed.

Although their season started nearly three months ago, French rugby union does offer short-term deals, nicknamed a ‘medical joker’, to replace injured players.

“He should go chase the money overseas, come back for a Super Rugby season and then have a crack at the World Cup,” said Tuqiri, a champion Australian rugby league player who defected to rugby union in 2003 before playing 67 Tests for the Wallabies.

“Everyone is chasing deals in France or Japan but Lomax is a world-class athlete so he will find somewhere. Parramatta won’t release him to go to any other club so it seems like he’s done with rugby league.

“The Wallabies would look at him, for sure. Not too many blokes in the current squad have put up their hands (for selection). There are spots available.”

Australian rugby will have some top-shelf wingers for the World Cup, including Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen, Harry Potter and Corey Toole, but Tuqiri reckons Lomax would be a rah-rah sensation.

“Lomax would be successful in rugby union. He is great under the high ball, he’s one of the best exponents in rugby league, he is a goal kicker, a big body, he’s aggressive and has a kicking game,” Tuqiri said.

“I think Lomax should take a leaf out of ‘Marky’s Mark’s’ book.”

A former Kangaroo, Lomax would need to secure big money in France or Japan to supplement a modest expected wage of between $150,000 and $200,000 in Super Rugby.

There have even been suggestions Lomax could take up MMA fighting.

Zac Lomax was linked with a surprise MMA move.

One player manager: “It’s still a mystery where Zac will end up.”

The French and Japanese competitions end in June next year.

Lomax is highly unlikely to land back at Parramatta after being granted a release from the final three years of a deal worth around $700,000 a season.

The Eels have moved on from Lomax but would politely listen to any suggestions that the NSW winger may consider a return to the club.

Lomax hasn’t asked Parramatta about any comeback to the club.

“Zac sought a release to pursue opportunities outside the NRL which we granted and we wish him well with it,” said Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos.

“Our focus is on the players who are committed to our club and we won’t be making any further comment.”

Originally published as Zac Lomax encouraged to pursue Wallabies World Cup selection with NRL career seemingly over