That leaves him to ponder two-year deals tabled by Super Rugby franchises the ACT Brumbies and Western Force.
Were Lomax to sign a Super Rugby maximum contract of $220,000 a year and then play all the Wallabiesโ 2026 Test matches (a very unlikely scenario), he would stand to earn almost $400,000. A top-up deal from Rugby Australia, which is no guarantee, could further boost his earnings.
It could be a case of short-term pain for long-term financial gain because if Lomax can establish himself with the Wallabies and perform well at a World Cup, it could open up lucrative opportunities, such as playing in Japan, France or with R360, if that gets off the ground.
But all that is rather speculative, given his lack of expertise in the 15-man game. Itโs a gamble โ there is no guarantee he will make a successful transition.
If he is not required in the national team, Lomax looks set to find himself significantly out of pocket, earning a fraction of what he would have in the NRL.
Even if he wanted to join another NRL club โ and he would add some much-needed star power to the Perth Bearsโ roster for their inaugural 2027 campaign โ Lomax would require Parramattaโs consent, under the terms of his release.
All of which he has presumably been considered and discussed at length with his agent, Clinton Schifcofske.
The fact that they have proceeded down this uncertain path speaks volumes about Lomaxโs mindset.
If he was motivated by money, the easiest option would have been to stay at the Eels. He was on a good wicket. Instead, he seems intent on rolling the dice and challenging himself.
If he can crack the code and become a dual international โ especially if he can become a Wallabies regular โ his gamble might reap dividends beyond anything rugby league has to offer.
And while his union background is largely limited to playing for his primary school in Temora, his physical attributes and skill set suggest he could follow the trail blazed by the likes of Wendell Sailor, Lote Tuqiri, Israel Folau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
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Big, powerful outside backs are weapons in both codes, and Lomax has proven that heโs a sensational catcher of the high ball, a quality finisher and a handy goalkicker. In Origin football, heโs also shown that he can handle the big occasion.
Now he appears willing to step outside his comfort zone and tackle a whole new ball game, even if itโs at his own expense.
The bottom line is that Zac Lomax seems none too fussed about the bottom line.
Heโs backing himself in and chasing a dream. If he gets there, the memories will be priceless.
