Zac Lomax Eyes Western Force Debut with Patience and Preparation
New Western Force recruit Zac Lomax has expressed his hope for a Super Rugby debut "sooner rather than later" but stresses he will not rush into action without proper preparation. The former NRL star, who arrived in Perth recently, faces a significant challenge in adapting to rugby union and regaining match fitness after a five-month hiatus from competitive play.
Fitness and Adaptation Key to Debut Timeline
Lomax, 26, acknowledged the hurdles ahead, noting his last game was in early September. "I've been out of the game for a period of time," he said in his first media appearance. "I'm just trying to get the legs back underneath me, but I don't want to risk a soft tissue injury by pushing too hard." He emphasized a day-by-day approach to training, with the Force's upcoming home game against the Chiefs on March 28 likely too soon for his involvement.
The Force's schedule includes away matches against the Reds and Fijian Drua, with a potential debut at home against the Crusaders on April 18. Lomax remains cautious, stating, "It's too hard to speculate on when I'll be ready. I'm biting at the bit to get back, but I haven't done a pre-season, so I'll be underdone and need to close the gap gradually."
Transition from NRL to Rugby Union
Lomax's move to the Western Force follows a high-profile code switch after the Rugby 360 competition's postponement and a failed attempt to return to the NRL with Melbourne Storm. Force coach Simon Cron has suggested playing him as a full-back or winger, with Lomax open to learning. "I'm an open book," he said. "Dealing with the ruck and positional play will be the biggest challenges, but that excites me."
He added that while he played rugby as a junior, it was over a decade ago, and the game has evolved significantly since then. Cron has assured that the Force will not rush Lomax, focusing on his medical readiness for high-speed exposure.
Club Fit and Team Aspirations
Lomax praised Cron's transparency and competitive nature, which convinced him to join the Force. "It's a family-oriented club with strong connections," he noted. The team has started the season with one win and four losses, and Lomax hopes to contribute to improvements once he debuts. "As soon as I get on the field, I'll focus on understanding the team's dynamics and learning from them," he said.
This transition marks a pivotal moment in Lomax's career, as he aims to make a smooth shift from league to union while prioritizing long-term fitness and team integration.
