St George Illawarra Dragons cut two years off Zac Lomax deal

The Dragons have terminated the final two years of Zac Lomax’s contract, allowing him to leave the joint venture at the end of 2024 or possibly sooner if a suitable player swap can be arranged.

Lomax has been agitating for a release since being shuffled to the wing by new coach Shane Flanagan, requesting several exits this season that have already been denied.

Lomax has been on Parramatta’s radar for some time and they are keen to sign him immediately, although all attempts have been rebuffed by the Dragons so far.

Official documents confirming two-thirds of Lomax’s remaining contract are to be terminated were lodged with the NRL on Tuesday.

St George Illawarra are adamant there will be “no financial contribution to be made by the club” in 2025 and 2026 to Lomax’s contract, which is worth about $800,000 a year as one of the club’s biggest earners.

In a statement on Tuesday afternoon confirming Lomax’s contract status, the Dragons said, “the club will only consider a release this year if a player of considerable standing is offered in return”.

“By finalising this decision now, it provides both Zac and the club with clarity regarding the future, allowing us time to strategise for the upcoming seasons,” Dragons CEO Ryan Webb said in a statement.

“This arrangement enables the Dragons to focus on refining our top 30 roster and utilising additional cap space, while Zac can pursue his future endeavours with another club.”