Can Zac Lomax really go from the NRL to Wallabies’ World Cup squad?

Zac Lomax is about to face the toughest assignment of his football career: get up to speed in a code you last played at primary school and then perform well enough to earn selection for the national team in time for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.

Having signed a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Western Force after his attempt to join the Melbourne Storm proved unsuccessful, Lomax has the opportunity to become a dual international.

In 2003, Rugby Australia brought over league greats Lote Tuqiri, Wendell Sailor and Mat Rogers to turbo-charge their home World Cup tilt. Next year, the Wallabies will potentially be able to call on four former NRL stars: Angus Crichton, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Mark Nawaqanitawase and now Lomax.

But the path to the green and gold is not an easy one. Here are the big challenges Lomax faces.

Commitment to the code

Beyond learning the technicalities of a new game, Lomax’s first task will be to establish trust with his new teammates in Perth.

The Force are a team which needs a strong culture to be successful because they are so far away from the rest of Super Rugby – not only geographically, but also in terms of financial resources.

The players who thrive in Western Australia immediately embrace their point of difference, buying into the mission of maintaining a successful rugby outpost in an AFL-obsessed state. Lomax will need to do the same.

When he suits up at the Force’s training field, he will immediately be playing catch-up. Some of the squad will wonder what Lomax brings to their team, given he has the least experience but one of the highest salaries.

Some will also question his commitment, given he initially turned the club down to seek a deal with the Storm. Others may welcome him with open arms. The former NSW Origin winger will have a point to prove early on.

Perfect positions

Unlike fellow code-hopper Suaalii, who has been deployed at fullback and outside centre for the Waratahs in the last two seasons, Lomax will most likely start off on the wing for his new club. It presents the path of least resistance for coach Simon Cron, although fullback is also an option.

Although Lomax will have to learn the intricacies of rucking in a matter of weeks, his elite physicality, fitness and aerial ability will provide an immediate benefit to the Force backline.

Lomax will be competing for a wing spot against Wallabies Dylan Pietsch and Darby Lancaster, along with former All Black George Bridge.

The learning curve required for Lomax to become a Super Rugby winger will still be nearly vertical. Speaking to ABC Pacific last year, Roosters star Mark Nawaqanitawase spoke of the significant differences between wing play in the two codes. In rugby, the winger is expected to insert themselves all over the field.

“I love the game of union, Nawaqanitawase said. “There are a lot of things that I miss, I guess the freedom. If you come to league, I guess you’re kind of stuck to one side, it’s very structured. So in that sense, I miss that part where I could roam and get up to doing different things on any side.”

The run to the World Cup

Lomax faces a tough rugby apprenticeship, but if he succeeds, he opens the door to potential selection for the 2027 World Cup.

The Wallabies currently have strength in depth on the wing. Max Jorgensen is world-class, while Pietsch, Harry Potter, Filipo Daugunu, Andrew Kellaway and Corey Toole all wore the gold jersey last season.

But Lomax does offer a direct point of difference. Last November, the Wallabies faced significant issues dealing with aerial defence. Lomax brings superb aerial ability, honed in the NRL, and can plug what has become a major gap. Similarly, Lomax can be utilised as a reliable place kicker – in 2021 and 2022 he kicked at 78 per cent success, while in 2020 he kicked at 79 per cent.

Wallabies five-eighth Carter Gordon scored the match-winning try for the Reds against the Brumbies on Saturday, but is still not place kicking. Lomax’s ability to kick from the tee provides another string to his bow.

The Wallabies will play 14 Tests this season, giving Lomax ample opportunities to prove he can stand up to the rigours of Test rugby. He can also boost his pay packet, with top-up players receiving match fees of $10,000 a Test, while those not centrally contracted get $12,000 a game.

If Lomax succeeds in Perth against the odds, the rewards are significant. He reminds the NRL of his talents while pushing up his earning potential in rugby across the world. And the ultimate reward is something money cannot buy – playing for the Wallabies at a home World Cup.