Zac Lomax has signed a deal that will see him return to the NRL, with the former NSW star announced as the PNG Chiefs’ fifth player.
The announcement comes just days after Lomax was spotted flying to PNG to meet the club’s general manager of football, Michael Chammas.
Zach Lomax Announced as Chief #5 Instagram/@png_chiefs_official
A video of Lomax announcing his arrival to a crowd of Papua New Guinea fans at the Santos National Football Stadium was posted on the team’s social media on Sunday.
“PNG, thank you guys so much. I just want to say thank you so much. It’s an absolute privilege,” Lomax said.
“It’s an honor to be committed to you guys and it’s a great opportunity for all of us boys and everyone who is going to move to PNG Chiefs.
“We’re going to shock the NRL, I’m telling you, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
The announcement marks the end of what has been a rollercoaster 12 months for Lomax, who is expected to return to the NRL in the near future.
At the start of the year, Lomax was almost ready to leave the Parramatta Eels and join R360, but the start date for the controversial competitive competition was delayed.
With the R360 no longer available for the 2026 season, Lomax decided to join the Western Force in Super Rugby.
He will now return to rugby league when the Chiefs join the competition in 2028.
“Zach is undoubtedly a tremendous talent and a player who has already achieved a high level of success,” Chammas said in a statement.
“His versatility, goal-scoring ability and desire to contribute make him a fantastic addition to our squad and we look forward to welcoming him to the Chiefs squad in 2028.”
Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson and Matty Lees have already completed deals with the Chiefs. Joseph Manu was also seen traveling to PNG.
With Lomax now in the squad, league great Andrew Jones believes this team will be tough to beat.
Lomax terminated his contract with the Eels earlier this year Getty
“It’s huge. It’s such a great signing,” Jones told Nine.
“I have no doubt he won’t play at center or on the wing. He’s always talked about wanting to play as a full-back. I think he’ll be incredible.”
“They’ve got Zharom Luai in the half and then there’s talk of Cameron Munster being open to talks. They’ve got some world-class players.”
“I have no doubt he won’t play at center or on the wing. He’s always talked about wanting to play as a full-back. I think he’ll be incredible.”
“They will be really hard to beat when they come in 2028.”