Zac Lomax Braces for ‘Baptism of Fire’ as Western Force Prepare for Fijian Drua Clash
The anticipation surrounding Zac Lomax’s transition from rugby league to rugby union has reached a fever pitch. After a frustrating “false start” in Brisbane, the former NRL star is once again in the mix as the Western Force prepare for a high-stakes encounter against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka.
Lomax, a powerhouse winger and centre, arrives at the Force with a pedigree that includes representing the Kangaroos and Recent South Wales in State of Origin. While his arrival has injected significant excitement into the squad, the path to his professional rugby debut has been anything but smooth.
The Road to Perth: A Contract Saga
Lomax’s journey to the Western Force was marked by a dramatic series of events. After walking away from a lucrative contract with the Parramatta Eels to join the rebel league R360, a delay in that league’s first season left him in limbo. A subsequent attempt to sign with the Melbourne Storm was blocked, eventually leading to a two-year deal with the Western Force and Rugby Australia.
Born in Temora and having played junior representative rugby for NSW, Lomax is no stranger to the code, though the jump to Super Rugby Pacific represents a significant professional challenge. The athlete has expressed a clear ambition to eventually represent the Wallabies and compete on the world stage at a Rugby World Cup.
A Frustrating Debut Delay
The rugby world expected Lomax to make his debut against the Queensland Reds on April 4, 2026. Named on the reserves bench, Lomax was ruled out just one hour before kick-off due to hamstring tightness. Force head coach Simon Cron opted for caution, noting that the risk of a sprint injury was too high.
Despite the anti-climax for Lomax, the Force secured a dominant 42-19 bonus-point victory over the Reds in Brisbane. Still, that win came at a cost, with the team losing starting wingers Dylan Pietsch (foot) and Darby Lancaster (ankle) to injuries.
The ‘New Toy’ and the Fijian Challenge
The injury crisis in the backline has increased the pressure on Lomax to perform. While coach Simon Cron has resisted the urge to start the convert immediately—shifting George Bridge to the wing and elevating Hamish Stewart—Lomax has been named on the bench for the upcoming clash in Lautoka.
Western Force fullback Mac Grealy, who recently signed a two-year contract extension, described the excitement within the camp. Comparing Lomax to a “new toy,” Grealy noted that the recruit has looked “real sharp” in training and has handled the debut delays with absolute professionalism. Grealy believes the transition will be seamless once Lomax is called upon.
Squad Rotations and Key Returns
The Force aren’t just managing the Lomax integration; they’re also navigating several roster changes for the Round 9 fixture:
- Jeremy Williams: The skipper returns to the side after clearing HIA protocols.
- Sef Fa’agase: Enters the lineup to replace Tom Robertson, who is out with an HIA.
- Darcy Swain: Misses the match due to illness, opening the door for Williams’ return.
- Contract: Signed a two-year deal with Western Force and Rugby Australia.
- Debut Status: Delayed from the Reds match (hamstring); named on the bench for Fijian Drua.
- Position: Powerful winger/centre and goal-kicker.
- Context: Joining a Force side currently missing wingers Dylan Pietsch and Darby Lancaster.
Looking Ahead
Facing the Fijian Drua in Lautoka is widely regarded as a “baptism of fire.” Known for their size and power, the Drua provide a physical test that mirrors Lomax’s own strengths. Whether he starts or comes off the bench, the upcoming match will be the definitive test of how quickly the league international can adapt to the highest level of rugby union.
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