Updated ,first published
PNG Chiefs have handed star fly-half Zac Lomax a multi-year deal to lure the former NSW State of Origin winger back to rugby league in 2028.
Lomax, who? he joined Super Rugby’s Western Force in March and chasing a place in the Wallabies World Cup next season, he is being targeted as the player of the season for the Chiefs’ inaugural season in the NRL.
The 26-year-old has met with PNG officials and sources have indicated that at least a two-year deal has been discussed. Both sides are also open to a longer deal, and privately, the Chiefs are confident of signing Lomax, according to sources who were not authorized to comment publicly.
Lomax has yet to visit Port Moresby and The chiefs arranged for resort-style accommodation to keep players and staff, but has traveled to the Pacific nation at least twice before playing for Australia’s Premier XIII.
News of Lomax being targeted by the Chiefs was revealed in the PNG media on Wednesday as the broadcaster confirmed he would see out his two-year deal with the Army, having turned down a chance to return to the NRL with the Storm in 2027.
Melbourne had raised the prospect of Parramatta giving permission for Lomax to sign with the Storm – cannot play for a rival club without the Eels’ permission as per a Supreme Court order earlier this year, due to the Eels They are interested in signing center Jack Howarth for next season.
But in a major blow to Lomax and his dream of becoming a two-team international, the big winger may be out until October with a serious groin injury. possible game for the Wallabies it will be delayed until November at the earliest.
After finishing the Super Rugby Pacific season for the Force in May, Lomax was left out of the Wallabies squad for the July Tests after a long-term groin complaint flared up and required rehabilitation.
Lomax is suffering from osteitis pubis – an overuse injury that plagues kickers and AFL players – and while there were initially hopes he could return in August, and be in the Wallabies selection mix under new coach Les Kiss, the timeline has been thrown out for months.
Lomax is now aiming to return to rugby for the Australia A team, which plays two games in the US on October 25 and 31, under new coach Stephen Larkham.
The Wallabies’ spring tour has also previously been tipped as a launch pad for NRL replacements Lomax and Angus Crichton, with Australia’s campaign kicking off against England at Twickenham on November 8.
Meanwhile, PNG’s impact on the player market in both codes continues to be seen as the Chiefs can release wages tax-free, at any time. Income from third party agreements in PNG is also exempt from tax.
Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson and English prop Matty Lees are all signed up to 2028, when the Chiefs will be able to submit formal offers to uncontracted NRL players from November. There is no stopping a new NRL franchise from approaching potential rugby recruits.
Penrith will begin extension talks in the coming weeks with Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and Brian To’o in a bid to joining their biggest names in 2027.
Cleary is the biggest conundrum and with him likely to be the first NRL player under the $2 million salary cap from 2028, his long-term plans will affect Penrith’s roster.
Injured catcher Mitch Kenny on Wednesday re-signed the Panthers through the end of 2031 on a four-year contract.
With PNG complying with the NRL’s anti-money laundering rules, Kenny never spoke to the Chiefs despite being identified as a potential captaincy option for their first season.
The Chiefs have ruled out pursuing Panthers assistant Moses Leota, who was has been granted market test approval for 2028.
Leota will continue talks with Penrith, but is expected to hold off on any long-term commitment until after November based on interest from rivals.
And Walsh is a sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect through X or email address.
Iain Payten is a senior sports reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect through X or email address.
