International Rugby League chair Troy Grant has taken a shot at Zac Lomax after the winger secured his future away from the NRL.
Lomax has been at the heart of a transfer saga that started with the emergence of new breakaway rugby union competition R360, however, the launch of R360 was delayed.
Parramatta Eels had already released Lomax to seek out that opportunity but an iron-clad clause that was signed by the player upon his release confirmed that he would not be able to join another NRL club before 2028.
Despite that, Melbourne Storm tried to sign Lomax with a legal battle ensuing, however, the contract upheld and now in the aftermath of that, Lomax has swapped rugby league for rugby union.
The winger has signed for rugby union club Western Force on a two-year deal, citing a desire to play on a ‘truly international stage’ and compete at the World Cup as motivators behind the move.
That has got under the skin of many in rugby league who feel it is a clear swipe at the sport, and it’s led to some reaction.
Rugby League reacts to Zac Lomax defection
Leading those reactions was the chair of International Rugby League, Troy Grant, with Grant reminding Lomax of the fact he took a case to court just under two weeks ago in a bid to resume playing in the NRL.
Per the Sydney Morning Herald, Grant said: “It’s nice to hear about Zac’s dream of representing the Wallabies, which comes less than two weeks after losing his court case to play with Melbourne.
“His departure from international rugby league is of no consequence – and he will have no impact on rugby union. All I can say, ‘Don’t let the door hit you on the arse on the way out’.”
Another to hit out at Lomax was former Australia international Mark Geyer, who said: “I hope it’s the last we see of him. That comment was as subtle as a sledgehammer. It’s not what you say but how you say it. If that wasn’t a two-fingered salute to rugby league, I don’t know what it is. Let him go and try and play in his World Cup.”
Lomax could have been playing in a World Cup this year but instead, he’ll now bid to play in the rugby union edition of 2027 before potentially being allowed back in the NRL from 2028 onwards.
