Zac Lomax is determined to head to the PNG Chiefs as a dual international, having not given up on forcing his way on to the Wallabies’ spring tour later this year.
The cross-code star touched down in Sydney late on Monday after signing a three-year deal with the NRL’s 19th franchise from 2028.
While he is excited by the prospect of playing for Chiefs in their inaugural season and making a difference to the people of Papua New Guinea, Lomax’s immediate focus is on returning from injury and reigniting his dream of representing the Wallabies.
The 27-year-old has not played for his Western Force franchise since May because of osteitis pubis, but has been spending his days rehabbing at Rugby Australia HQ and is edging closer to a return.
The thought of heading to the Chiefs at the end of next year having represented his country in rugby league and union is the ultimate motivation for the winger.
“It’s an experience going over there [to Port Moresby], it strips back the humility side of it,” Lomax said.
“More than half the population is under the age of 25, so us as athletes, we’ll have a major role in having an impact on the nation … it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“But my heart and soul is absolutely dedicated to Australia in rugby union [right now]. I want nothing more than to pull on that gold jersey. That’s what it’s about. I need to get my body fit and healthy and in the best condition I can to be able to pull on that jersey.
“It’s a little bit unfortunate being out injured at the moment, but that’s my goal, to play in a World Cup. I’ll do everything in my power to give myself a red-hot chance.
“It would be a proud moment for myself and family. I’d love to be able to do that [be a dual international]. I want nothing more than to tick that box and achieve it.
“I’m sure everyone will tell you who has had it [osteitis pubis] it’s a week-to-week thing. Every week it gets better, I’m up at ‘RA’ most days through the week getting it sorted. Hopefully, I’m back sooner than later.”
Pressed on whether he had set his hopes on making the Wallabies’ spring tour of Europe, Lomax said: “Fingers crossed, absolutely.”
The Wallabies have no shortage of talented wingers, including returning Roosters, NSW Origin and Kangaroos flyer Mark Nawaqanitawase, Max Jorgensen, Dylan Pietsch and Harry Potter. Lomax was not considered for the mid-year Tests against Ireland, France and Italy due to his injury.
Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas backed Lomax – PNG Chiefs player “005” – to fulfil his dream of representing the Wallabies before heading north.
“There’s a World Cup on home soil, and chatting with him the last few days, I know how much it means to him,” Chammas said.
“Rugby Australia having nothing to worry about when it comes to a guy who is committed to doing his best for their code. And once he’s done there, he’ll be wearing the Chiefs jersey proudly.”
Chammas confirmed another signing target, Joey Manu, had returned to Paris and his French rugby team, and remained hopeful he would become part of the Chiefs’ inaugural roster.
Having already recruited Wests Tigers playmaker Jarome Luai, South Sydney favourite Alex Johnston and Roosters utility Connor Watson, Chammas said the club would look to assemble its forward pack once they were free to do so come November 1.
“I’ve heard the talk about how we’ve got plenty of backs, but these players were available, the timing was right, and we’ll be looking for forwards come November,” said Chammas, whose only other marquee signing, Englishman Matty Lees, is a prop.
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