NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire has caused a stir after it was revealed he called St George Illawarra Dragons star Zac Lomax about a potential spot in the 2024 State of Origin side.
Lomax, who recently was demoted from the centres to the wing by Shane Flanagan, has had an exceptional start to the 2024 season but has voiced his displeasure about the positional change.
Despite reportedly requesting a release to play centre at another club, Lomax’s form on the wing has been amongst the best in the league, leading to the call from the Blues coach.
Although Lomax could be a genuine chance to replace Josh Addo-Carr for NSW, former Dragons’ hooker Andrew McCullough admitted he isn’t buying into the idea.
"I reckon he’s probably spoken to 12 blokes (but) I don’t think it’s irrelevant," McCullough told SEN 1170 NRL Crunch Time.
“If you really think he’s the standalone or he’s (one) of two, three or four players, I think he’s kidding.
“He’s not going to ring just Zac Lomax and one other bloke, he’d be doing it to everyone to keep intensity up for spots, encourage those guys to push for those spots.
“I don’t see it as just being a one-off.”
The Sydney Morning Herald’s Adrian Proszenko didn’t share McCullough’s view and urged the Dragons star to continue his strong form in order to be in strong contention for a Blues jersey.
“The point is, he can kick stones about that he’s not playing in his favourite position or he can see it as an opportunity to play for NSW and potentially earn another 90 thousand dollars,” Proszenko added.
“He’s not going to get picked in the centres, it’s as simple as that.
“You’ve got (Bradman) Best, (Stephen) Crichton, (Tom Trbojevic) Turbo, Latrell (Mitchell, even the Panthers centres, (Taylan) May and (Izack) Tago, Kotoni Staggs, Joseph Suaalii, Jack Wighton, who can play centres.
“So, you can bitch and moan about the fact that you’re on 800k and you’re earning centre money but you’re playing on the wing but ultimately there’s an opportunity there if he knuckles down and makes a go of it.”
Lomax will play his third consecutive game on the wing for the Dragons as they host the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday evening.