Signings, Suggestions & Rumours Discussion

[Kaito]

Lomax granted release for 2025, yay or nay boys
& girls? Would walk into the right centre poz but
I'm a bit conflicted personally — good centre pairing
with Olam. Suppose it's a character thing, let's see...

 

[Vicious]

Zac Lomax officially available from 2025

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Lomax granted release for 2025, yay or nay boys
& girls? Would walk into the right centre poz but
I'm a bit conflicted personally — good centre pairing
with Olam. Suppose it's a character thing, let's see...

If he’s been granted a release, he’d already have a club lined up.

 

[851]

Zac Lomax officially available from 2025

Or this season if a club has a suitable trade

Loading…

www.news.com.au

Dragons cut Zac Lomax loose in brutal $800,000 move​

The St George Illawarra have announced they are parting ways with under fire highly paid player who’s already been linked to rivals.
Matthew Sullivan

less than 2 min read
April 2, 2024 - 2:25PM



NRL: The Dragons thrilled fans at Wollongong, defeating Manly by 8 points on New South Wales' south coast on Easter Saturday.


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Zac Lomax has been cut loose by St George Illawarra with the Dragons giving him permission to leave the club.
On Tuesday the Dragons confirmed Lomax was free to negotiate with rival clubs, allowing him to depart at the end of the season.
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The 24-year-old is contracted through to the end of the 2026 season but is believed to be disgruntled over new coach Shane Flanagan playing him on the wing instead of the centres.
In a statement, the Dragons said they had “reached an agreement with Zac Lomax and his management for his departure from the club at the conclusion of the current season”.

The Dragons are letting Zac Lomax go.
“His contracted years for 2025 and 2026 will be terminated with no financial contribution to be made by the club in these years, allowing him the freedom to explore opportunities with other clubs effective immediately,” the statement said.
“The club will only consider a release this year if a player of considerable standing is offered in return which our Head Coach Shane Flanagan is comfortable with.”
“By finalising this decision now, it provides both Zac and the club with clarity regarding the future, allowing us time to strategise for the upcoming seasons,” Dragons CEO Ryan Webb said.
“This arrangement enables the Dragons to focus on refining our top 30 roster and utilising additional cap space, while Zac can pursue his future endeavours with another club.”

Lomax is one of the Dragons highest paid players. Picture: David Swift
Flanagan said: “Zac has consistently demonstrated his talent and dedication to the club, especially in the face of external noise.”
“We have full confidence that he will maintain his high level of performance for the remainder of the season, benefiting all those associated with the Dragons.”
The Parramatta Eels are believed to be interested in recruiting Lomax, while his departure would free up the Dragons to pursue a big-name recruit.
St George Illawarra beat Manly 20-12 on Saturday and sit 13th on the ladder with two wins from four games.

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

Lomax granted release for 2025, yay or nay boys
& girls? Would walk into the right centre poz but
I'm a bit conflicted personally — good centre pairing
with Olam. Suppose it's a character thing, let's see...

Would make us instantly better and give our halves clear targets either side.

If we have a chance we would be nuts not to go for it. Just don’t bid stupid amounts

 

[Roar_Power]

Lomax granted release for 2025, yay or nay boys
& girls? Would walk into the right centre poz but
I'm a bit conflicted personally — good centre pairing
with Olam. Suppose it's a character thing, let's see...

Makasini takes a centre spot in 2026. Need to make do until then.

 

[Wearyfan22]

If he’s been granted a release, he’d already have a club lined up.

You would think so. It would be a massively risky move by him if he didnt

 

[BlackWhiteGold]

Zac Lomax officially available from 2025

I think it'll be down to Roosters or us. His ex-gf Jess Sergis at the Roosters so that may count against them.

If he was keen to play under Benji, we would have to do some clever finances given Dragons said they won't contribute. Maybe a 3 year deal with $800k in each of first two years & $400k in his 3rd so it averages $660k.

Or we get a 3rd party to contribute $200k each year.

He's no more than a $600-$650k player really.

Thoughts?

 

[batboy]

Sharks' forum poster advises that Doueihi is in talks with the Roosters. If true, it would be a good move for him as there is no certainty about the longevity of Keary.

Looks like that bloke saw the phot of Doueihi talking to Trent Robinson at the Footy as well...

 

[hsvjones]

You don't walk from a 800k contract if you don't have something lined up.

Hope we are in the mix but hard to tell considering Richardson said you won't hear a word from us leaked or we walk now.

 

[Camel2281]

Makasini takes a centre spot in 2026. Need to make do until then.

Wouldn't be surprised if Makasini starts his NRL career as a winger. He's played plenty of wing in league and Union thus far

 

[pawsandclaws1]

Life would be tough being asked to play on the wing while copping $800k a season and living on the coast. Plus he gets to play with JDB.

 

[crazycat]

Got to say:

I was wrong about Sezer. Totally wrong.
I had thought he would turn up like many returning EPL players. Unable to cope with League, heck I actually liked him when he was here with the Titans etc.
The guy has been outstanding for us. Sure not as good a halfback as say Reynolds/mm/Cleary/DCE... But an actual halfback and a better fit then Hastings and others we have had.

I was dead set right about Justin Olam.
Man the guy is a joy to watch. $450k from Melbourne for a GUN center.
We truly needed an upgrade on our backline and Olam just fits the bill. So good to watch him play.
You see how under-appreciated Api is, giving good ball to all the players around him and so few make use of it.

Api sees Olam -> try time.

Such a difference with these two in our squad

 

[Demps]

Got to say:

I was wrong about Sezer. Totally wrong.
I had thought he would turn up like many returning EPL players. Unable to cope with League, heck I actually liked him when he was here with the Titans etc.
The guy has been outstanding for us. Sure not as good a halfback as say Reynolds/mm/Cleary/DCE... But an actual halfback and a better fit then Hastings and others we have had.

I was dead set right about Justin Olam.
Man the guy is a joy to watch. $450k from Melbourne for a GUN center.
We truly needed an upgrade on our backline and Olam just fits the bill. So good to watch him play.
You see how under-appreciated Api is, giving good ball to all the players around him and so few make use of it.

Api sees Olam -> try time.

Such a difference with these two in our squad

Great post.

There was many who were wrong about Sezar.
Benji said he has something to prove.
It's great to see him doing well.

 

[crazycat]

The Mebourne CEO job is a much easier job than the Tigers CEO job. Don't think it's to much of an issue but he needs to deliver on his promise to bring the club success.

yea, and YOU HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD>....

I don't think CEO is or should be as key as the head Coach.
The head coach should be breathing life into the football side, doing what is necessary and getting the team going. Like Flanno with the Sharks, the board had no money, so he rented a truck and drove Gym equipment up from Melbourne where a Gyn was closing... Sharks go from Spooners to finals.

Yet you see a CEO like Phil Gould. He turned around Penrith, really built the junior pathways, made enemies and hard decisions. got involved and got people in and kept the good players.... But was a total arse about it, As Gould is a total arse at the Bulldogs...

You are right, to take a team from 17th to 12th is harder then taking a team from 8th to 4th. No one should be wanting to come to a team coming 17th.

Melbourne, to keep them in the top 4 for as long as they have is an incredible effort. Turning us around would be as amazing.

 

[loklok]

Lomax good player .I just hope we don't shell out 800k a season for him.
Still like us to get another backrower before any other position

 

[tigerbenji]

Lomax granted release for 2025, yay or nay boys
& girls? Would walk into the right centre poz but
I'm a bit conflicted personally — good centre pairing
with Olam. Suppose it's a character thing, let's see...

 

[tigerbenji]

Yes for me.

 

[teddy23]

Alofiana Khan-Pereria dropped this week and apparently getting on the bad side of Des.

They need some halves more than anybody in the competition….. maybe Des would listen to a Sullivan for Khan-Pereria swap with Foran extremely close to retirement and Tannah Boyd seeming to be a massive liability.

Hasn’t played that well to start the year but when you’re a winger and your forwards are getting rolled through the middle it’s hard to make an impact.

In 23 games in his rookie season he scored 20 tries……. I’d personally at least reach out.

 

[watersider]

Alofiana Khan-Pereria dropped this week and apparently getting on the bad side of Des.

They need some halves more than anybody in the competition….. maybe Des would listen to a Sullivan for Khan-Pereria swap with Foran extremely close to retirement and Tannah Boyd seeming to be a massive liability.

Hasn’t played that well to start the year but when you’re a winger and your forwards are getting rolled through the middle it’s hard to make an impact.

In 23 games in his rookie season he scored 20 tries……. I’d personally at least reach out.

Nothing against Sullivan, but with fainu, Galvin and Luai in our squad next year there's just no room for his contract. If we can get rid of him for nothing I'd take that.