Updated ,first published
The PNG Chiefs have tabled code-hopping star Zac Lomax a multi-year deal to lure the former NSW State of Origin winger back to rugby league in 2028.
Lomax, who joined Super Rugby’s Western Force in March and is chasing a Wallabies World Cup berth next season, is being targeted as a marquee player for the Chiefs inaugural season in the NRL.
The 26-year-old has met with PNG officials and informed sources have indicated that at least a two-year deal has been discussed. Both parties are also open to a longer agreement, and privately, the Chiefs are confident of landing Lomax’s signature, according to the sources not authorised to comment publicly.
Lomax is yet to visit Port Moresby and the Chiefs planned resort-style accommodation to house players and staff, but he has travelled to the Pacific nation at least twice before to play for Australian PM’s XIII.
News of Lomax’s targeting by the Chiefs came to light in PNG media on Wednesday as the cross-code flyer confirmed he would be seeing out his two-year deal with the Force, having knocked back a chance to return to the NRL with the Storm in 2027.
Melbourne had raised the prospect of Parramatta granting permission for Lomax to sign with the Storm – he cannot play for a rival club without the Eels consent as per a Supreme Court order earlier this year, given the Eels are keen to sign centre Jack Howarth for next season.
But in a major blow for Lomax and his dream of becoming a dual international, the big winger is likely to be sidelined until October with a serious groin injury, meaning a potential Wallabies debut will be delayed until November at the earliest.
After finishing the Super Rugby Pacific season for the Force in May, Lomax was not considered for the Wallabies’ squad for the July Tests after a chronic groin complaint flared up and required rehabilitation.
Lomax is suffering from osteitis pubis – an overuse injury common in goalkickers and AFL players – and while there was initially some hope he may return in August, and be in the mix for Wallabies selection under new coach Les Kiss, the timeline has been pushed out by several months.
Lomax is now targeting a return to rugby for the Australia A team, who are playing two games in the USA on October 25 and 31, under new coach Stephen Larkham.
The Wallabies spring tour has also previously been identified as a potential launchpad for NRL converts Lomax and Angus Crichton, with Australia’s campaign kicking off against England at Twickenham on November 8.
Meanwhile, PNG’s impact on the player market in both codes continues to be felt given the Chiefs can offer tax-free wages, while any third-party agreement earnings in PNG are also tax-exempt.
Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson and English prop Matty Lees have all signed on for 2028, while the Chiefs will be able to table official offers to NRL players coming off-contract from November. There is no restriction on the new NRL franchise approaching potential recruits in rugby.
Penrith will start extension talks in coming weeks with Nathan Cleary, Isaah Yeo, Liam Martin and Brian To’o in a bid to tie up their biggest names beyond 2027.
Cleary is the biggest puzzle piece and as potentially the NRL’s first $2 million player under an increased salary cap from 2028, his long-term plans will influence Penrith’s roster.
Injured hooker Mitch Kenny on Wednesday re-signed with the Panthers until the end of 2031 on a four-year deal.
With PNG observing the NRL’s anti-tampering rules, Kenny never spoke to the Chiefs despite being identified as a potential captaincy option for their first season.
The Chiefs have ruled out pursuing Panthers prop Moses Leota, who was briefly granted permission to test the market for 2028.
Leota will continue talks with Penrith, but is expected to hold off on any long-term commitment until after November based on rival interest.
