As the rugby world watches with keen interest, Zac Lomax is set to transition from the NRL to the 15-man game with Western Force, under the watchful eyes of Reds head coach Les Kiss and fly-half Carter Gordon. Lomax, who has an illustrious career in rugby league, including stints with the Australia Kangaroos and New South Wales State of Origin team, is expected to bring a fresh dynamism to his new team. After a missed opportunity last week, Lomax is slated to debut in the upcoming derby against the Reds in Brisbane.
Carter Gordon, who himself swapped codes briefly in 2024, expressed both excitement and curiosity about Lomax's adaptation. "He’s a great player, you've seen what he's done in NRL and [State of] Origins, so it’s going to be exciting to see him out there," Gordon remarked. Despite the excitement, Gordon acknowledged the challenges ahead: "It’ll be a working process for him. How quickly he can pick up the game is going to be determined on how hard he works on it."
"He’ll definitely be up for it"
Les Kiss, soon to be the Wallabies' head coach, and a former rugby league international, also weighed in on Lomax’s potential impact. "He’s a quality player in league and I’m sure he’s going to have his good moments. It just takes a long time to learn the nuances of the game around the ruck and the backfield," Kiss explained. He further highlighted one of Lomax's notable strengths that could be pivotal in rugby union. "I’m pretty sure they’re going to use a high ball and get him to chase as well, because that was one of his key strengths for sure."
With a robust support system at the Force, including experienced coaches, Lomax is in a prime position to steep himself in rugby union tactics and strategy. Kiss praised Lomax's proactive approach to learning. "He’s quite studious himself and has been watching a lot of games. I think it doesn’t come easy, but you’ve just got to stick at it."
As the rugby community anticipates Lomax's debut, his journey from league to union is not just a test of athletic prowess but also of adaptability and learning. With his debut, Lomax not only brings his physicality to the game but also an opportunity to enrich the sport with his unique skills and perspectives. The upcoming match against the Reds will be a significant first step in this exciting new chapter of his sporting career.