The coach of the Eels reacts to the Lomax switch this season and the selection conundrum he still hasn’t resolved
Coach Brad Arthur of Parramatta has not stated with certainty whether Dragons star Zac Lomax will sign with the Eels in 2024, even though the team is getting ready to make the announcement. Lomax is 24 years old.
Although it was disclosed last week that Lomax will sign a four-year contract with the Eels, the team’s powerbrokers are eager to have him join the team as soon as possible.
After some initial resistance, Lomax was eventually granted an early release from the Dragons to play in the centres.
Strangely, since moving to the wing from the centres under new Dragons coach Shane Flanagan, Lomax is possibly having his best season to date.
The Dragons are adamant about an early release in 2024, even though they are willing to let Lomax go after the current season. Flanagan has categorically denied a player swap with the Eels in order to make this happen.
Speaking on NRL360 on Monday night, Arthur expressed his excitement for Lomax’s arrival, thinking the gifted outside back will give the Eels a fresh perspective.
It’s going to happen soon. The club hopes to make an announcement in the coming days, according to Arthur.
“Zac is fast, athletic, and a little different from the outside backs we have.
“He competes hard, is aggressive, and is a kick target.
“We’ll worry about that next year; we’re not sure which side of the field it is.
“He can be nice and strong out of the backfield for us when he plays in the centres, but I think he’s got a good ability to set people up outside of him and score tries for himself as well.”
Arthur remained silent when Phil Rothfield of The Daily Telegraph questioned him about whether Lomax would be able to play for the Eels this season.
“I’m not certain. I’ve left that to be handled by our recruitment team and (GM of Football) Mark O’Neill,” he remarked.
“We’re currently concerned about the team we’ll field this week. We must support some performances from week to week because we have a difficult game.
