St George Illawarra coach Shane Flanagan offered an “interesting” reaction to the suggestion Zac Lomax could backflip on his Parramatta deal, but insisted the Dragons have to prepare for life without the in-form NSW star.
Talk has swirled around Lomax’s move in recent weeks, with circumstances changing dramatically since the 24-year-old signed a four-year deal — starting next season — with the Eels in April.
Initially said to be disgruntled by his move from the centres, Lomax has emerged as one of the form wingers in the NRL, winning a State of Origin jersey and impressing for NSW in the series so far. The Eels, meanwhile, sit dead last and Brad Arthur — the man who signed Lomax — has since been sacked with his long-term replacement to be decided.
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Appearing on Monday night’s NRL 306, Flanagan was asked point-black by veteran Daily Telegraph reporter Phil Rothfield whether Lomax could renege on the Eels move at stay put at the Dragons as many have suggested.
“I’m not filling your paper Phil,” said a smiling Flanagan, before offering a more detailed response.
“We don’t want him to go, without a doubt. But he’s signed a contract with another club.
“We’ve just got to join the time while he’s with us this year.
“That’s a decision he’s made unfortunately that he’s leaving and we’ve just got to get the best out of him this year.”
Rothfield found Flanagan’s smiling reaction to the question “interesting”.
“If Zac Lomax backflips and breaks a contract it’s not as if it’s never happened before in rugby league,” Rothfield said.
“I only asked him the question because it’s the talk around the game. He’s so happy at that club now.”
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Earlier Flanagan spoke about the positional switch that has worked wonders for Lomax.
“Everyone can go ‘Flanno, you made a good decision’ but it wasn’t just mine, it was some other coaching staff that thought it was the best thing for our team and it’s worked out,” Flanagan said.
“But it wouldn’t have worked out if Zac didn’t apply himself 100 per cent. That’s really important as well.
“I can move him there and he can go out there and just play or he can go and do what he’s doing at the moment and just excelling week-to-week.”
