Why ‘natural athlete’ Zac Lomax is ready for Super Rugby debut

Western Force coach Simon Cron insists “natural athlete” Zac Lomax is ready for Super Rugby Pacific, with the former NRL star in line to debut against the Queensland Reds this weekend at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

Lomax is set to wear Force colours in a competitive match for the first time after being named on the bench. This Australian derby will be played at a venue that’s familiar to the cross-code athlete, who played for the St George Illawarra Dragons and Parramatta Eels.

The 26-year-old was considered one of the elite outside backs in league, representing Australia and New South Wales. In the opening match of the 2025 State of Origin Series at Suncorp Stadium, Lomax scored two tries and ran for more than 200 metres in an 18-6 Blues win.

Queensland Reds hooker Matt Faessler made a note of that earlier this week, saying, “I’m sure [Lomax] is no stranger to a hostile Suncorp crowd” before it was confirmed on Wednesday the code-hopper would play in the round eight fixture.

Before jetting off from Perth to Brisbane, coach Cron was asked about Lomax’s highly anticipated debut for the Force, who are searching for their first Super Rugby Pacific win since February 27 against Moana Pasifika.

“We’ve done a bit of work with him since he got here and he’s very confident that he’s ready and we’re in a position now where I think it’s a great opportunity for him to play,” Cron told reporters.

“He’s coming off the bench so it gives him the chance to work his way into the game.

“He’s a great player and he’s ready to go.”

Lomax was unveiled as Australian rugby’s latest marquee recruit on March 8, signing a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Force. The goal-kicking winger played rugby union as a junior before initially pursuing an NRL opportunity with the Dragons.

While Lomax wasn’t selected to face the Chiefs last weekend in Perth, the six-game State of Origin flyer joined in on the team’s pre-game warm-up before moving into the coach’s box during that match.

On March 9, Lomax explained the move across codes as being “at the bottom” of a mountain that “I really want to climb.” After reaching great heights in rugby league, Lomax will embark on a similar challenge in rugby union in a matter of days.

“I think the finer arts will be a little while coming,” Cron explained.

“The big change between rugby and obviously rugby league is when the tackle in rugby league stops, it starts again, it starts the game again, whereas ours continues, so he’s been working a lot on that.

“He’s also a consummate professional. He’s in early every day, asking coaches questions, spending time with all of us. He’ll be ready to go.”