Former NRL star offered at least two-year deal
Updated ,first published
PNG Chiefs have offered code-hopping star Zac Lomax a multi-year deal in a bid to lure the former NSW State of Origin winger back to rugby league in 2028.
Lomax, who joined Super Rugby’s Western Force in March and aims to qualify for the Wallabies World Cup next season, is targeted as a key player in the Chiefs’ inaugural NRL season.
The 26-year-old has met with PNG officials and knowledgeable sources indicate that a deal of at least two years has been discussed. Both sides are open to a longer deal, and the Chiefs are privately confident of getting Lomax’s signature, according to sources not authorized to comment publicly.
Lomax is yet to visit Port Moresby and the Chiefs have planned resort-style accommodation to accommodate players and staff, but he has made at least two trips to the Pacific nation to play in the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII.
Reports that Lomax was being targeted by the Chiefs surfaced in PNG media on Wednesday, with the cross-coded flyer confirming he would complete his two-year deal with the Force by turning down the chance to return to the NRL with the Storm in 2027.
Melbourne had floated the possibility of Parramatta allowing Lomax to sign with the Storm; Given the Eels are keen to sign center Jack Howarth for next season, Parramatta cannot play for a rival club without the Eels’ permission, according to a High Court ruling earlier this year.
But in a major blow for Lomax and his ambitions to become a dual international, the big winger is likely to be sidelined until October with a serious groin injury, meaning his potential Wallabies debut would be postponed until November at the earliest.
After completing the Super Rugby Pacific season for the Force in May, Lomax was left out of the Wallabies squad for the July Tests after his chronic groin complaint flared up and required rehabilitation.
Lomax suffers from osteitis pubis, an overuse injury common in goalkeepers and AFL players, and although there was initially some hope that he could return in August and join the Wallabies selection under new manager Les Kiss, his timeline has been delayed by several months.
Lomax is now targeting the return to rugby for the Australia A team, which will play two matches in the USA on October 25 and 31 under new coach Stephen Larkham.
The Wallabies spring tour has previously been identified as a potential starting point for NRL movers Lomax and Angus Crichton, with Australia’s campaign set to begin against England at Twickenham on November 8.
Meanwhile, PNG’s impact on the player market continues to be felt in both codes, with the Chiefs able to offer tax-free wages and third-party deal winnings in PNG also being tax-free.
Chiefs will be able to submit formal offers to NRL players out of contract from November, with Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson and England prop Matty Lees signed for 2028. There are no restrictions on the new NRL franchise approaching potential recruits in rugby.
Penrith will begin extension talks with Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and Brian To’o in the coming weeks, with the aim of tying down their biggest names beyond 2027.
Cleary is the biggest piece of the puzzle and his long-term plans will impact Penrith’s squad as he becomes the NRL’s first $2 million player subject to the increased salary cap from 2028.
Injured hooker Mitch Kenny signed a four-year contract with the Panthers until the end of 2031 on Wednesday.
Due to PNG complying with the NRL’s anti-tamper rules, Kenny has never spoken to the Chiefs despite being identified as a potential captaincy option for their first season.
The Chiefs have ruled out pursuing Panthers backer Moses Leota, who has been cleared to test the market for 2028.
Leota will continue talks with Penrith but is expected to delay long-term commitments until after November due to competing interests.
