Lomax joins Force brains trust as rugby debut nears
Justin Chadwick |
With his rugby IQ growing by the day, former NRL star Zac Lomax is a chance to be unleashed by the Western Force in next Saturday’s Super Rugby clash with the Reds in Queensland.
Lomax joined his Force teammates for the warm-up before sitting in the coach’s box for Saturday night’s 24-14 loss to the Chiefs in Perth.
The 26-year-old hasn’t played rugby union since his primary school days, but is backing himself to adapt quickly in a bold bid to earn Wallabies selection for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
His first steps will be with the Force, and it’s set to come in either Saturday’s clash with the Reds at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane or the following week against the Drua in Fiji.
“That’s the thinking, give him a taste,” Force coach Simon Cron said of his decision to allow Lomax to warm up with the team before the loss to the Chiefs.
“He sat in the box with us (after), just to sort of talk about the game and understand where we are as a team.
“I think he will be a great addition for us in the team. He’s a big, strong body. He’s a pretty dominant human, which probably at times we need.”
Lomax said it was exciting to warm up with his teammates on match day, and he’s been preparing himself for a likely wing role when he does make his Force debut.
“I’m like a sponge in there learning every day,” Lomax told Stan.
“It’s exciting, it’s fresh, I love it. I’ve been doing a lot on the wing. It comes more natural to me.
“I haven’t done too much at fullback. But anywhere in the backs, I’m not too fussed.”
Lomax says he’s still getting used to competing at the rucks, but he can’t wait to unleash his kicking game.
The Force’s loss to the Chiefs left them second last on the table with just one win to show from six games.
Star flanker Carlo Tizzano is in doubt to face the Reds after being subbed out at half-time with a knee injury.
Tizzano was spotted after the game sporting a brace on his left knee, with further assessments to determine his availability.
“I think he got cleaned out in one of those breakdowns, and it’s a little bit of mobility in the knee,” Cron said.
“They’ve just put him in the brace for precaution, and we’ll obviously go through the process medically as to how he pulls up.”
AAP