McReight on ex-NRL star: ‘Maybe exploit his knowledge of the game’

Fraser McReight hopes the Queensland Reds can use their kicking game to “exploit” Zac Lomax’s “knowledge of the game” this weekend, with the former NRL star set to debut for the Western Force as an impact player off the bench.

Lomax signed a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Force last month, joining the likes of Angus Crichton and Mark Naqawaqnitawse by agreeing to a move across codes ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Fans have had to wait about one month to see Lomax play in Super Rugby Pacific, with the Force going on a bye week before returning to action in round seven against the Chiefs. The 26-year-old joined in on the pre-game warm-up despite not being named in the matchday 23.

Coach Simon Cron has backed the “natural athlete” to face the Reds this weekend, playing at a venue that Lomax is familiar with. Lomax played NRL matches at Suncorp Stadium and representative league as well, including appearances for New South Wales.

In the opening match of the 2025 State of Origin Series, Lomax scored two tries and ran for more than 205 metres as the Blues beat the Maroons at the Brisbane venue. But this is a different ball game, as McReight hinted at this week.

“Zac obviously is an unbelievable talent. He’s super good under the high ball, powerful, strong, athletic. For us, he’s going to be a dangerous man,” McReight said.

“We hope that we can maybe exploit his knowledge of the game and especially if he’s coming on at back three and hopefully be able to pin him in a corner, or using our kicking game to help us there.

“Really excited to see how he goes and looking forward to that battle.”

Both matches between the Australian rivals in Super Rugby Pacific last season finished with the same scoreline, with the Reds winning 28-24 on March 1 at Perth’s HBF Park and again on March 29 in Brisbane.

Queensland have been one of the form sides this season, ranked fourth on the standings after seven rounds. The Reds are looking to bounce back though, after falling to the ladder-leading Hurricanes 52-14 in Wellington last weekend.

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

4

Draws

0

Wins

1

Average Points scored

35

24

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

80%

As for the Force, their one win of the season came against Moana Pasifika in late February. While they were competitive in matches against the Highlanders, Hurricanes and Chiefs, the New Zealanders won those three matchups in March.

“They’re tough, they’re gritty, they go the whole 80 minutes,” McReight explained.

“We’re really excited to play our style of football again, especially after the performance we had against the Hurricanes which wasn’t up to our standards.

“We’re looking very much to be back at home in front of fans and to have a great game against the Force.”