Lomax says he left NRL at his peak, wants to see the world with rugby

“It’s me that’s made the decisions and it’s me that has the consequences … it’s my decision and they’re the ones that I’ve made, but it’s one that I stick by.

“For me, it was initially to go and play rugby union. And I’ve been in constant communication with the (Force) team, and here we are.”

Grilled about whether the Eels’ hardball stance and whether rugby was a “plan B” given he recently tried to join the Storm, Lomax sidestepped most questions and said he was only keen to look ahead.

“There’s obviously been a whole heap of scenarios that have come out,” Lomax said.

“It definitely hasn’t been ideal, but at the same time, to be able to make a decision and move on from it, it’s positive, that’s my focus.

“I’ve been able to make a decision now, and I want to just be able to move on from it. I can’t wait to get over to Perth and become the best rugby union player that I possibly can. I know I’ve got a lot to learn, and that’s something that truly excites me.”

Lomax said he was “so thankful and so fortunate enough to be able to have a successful career in the NRL”.

“I love everything that they’ve been able to give me and my family, and I’ve been able to play the game at the highest level, and that’s something that I’m super proud of. I’ve played with Parramatta and the Dragons, and was pursued with Storm to try and make something happen, but obviously results didn’t allow that,” he said.

“I’ve been so thankful and grateful for everything that rugby league has given me, but, you know, this is the future and I’m leaving at the peak of my career in rugby league terms. But it’s something that motivates me … I’m going to start to build the game (rugby union) from the ground up for me as a player, and that’s something that motivates me. I want to test myself.

“I don’t want to get to the end of my career and think about, you know, should I have given that a crack.”

Lomax said he’d played rugby at school until 2015, and then moved to league full-time with the Dragons. He said he’d been impressed with Force coach Simon Cron in their meetings, and has sought advice from Wallaby Angus Bell and fellow code-switcher Sonny Bill Williams.

Lomax said he has aspirations to play for the Wallabies and becoming a dual international but knows he has a lot of work ahead.

Asked about his quote in the RA press release that rugby is a “truly international sport”, which league figures took as a shot at the 13-man game, Lomax said: “Comments can be taken many different ways, but for me, it’s the reality is that rugby is a truly global sport.

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“It’s played in more than 100 different countries, and I guess from my point of view, like, that’s something that absolutely attracts me as a player … the travel that they do (around) the world. Everyone that I speak to in regards to rugby and playing for the Wallabies and travelling all around the world, that’s the first thing that makes their eyes light up.”

Grilled about why Force fans should have confidence he’ll see out the two-year contract, given he has walked away from the Dragons and then the Eels after one season, Lomax said: “In regards to everything … previously, there’s obviously been a narrative out there that’s sort of come about.

“But for me, I’m so stoked everyone at the Forces obviously showed the faith in me in Rugby Australia, and I can’t wait to get there.”