The St George Illawarra Dragons have agreed to release disgruntled winger Zac Lomax from the remainder of his contract at the end of the 2024 season.
The 24-year-old had two years left on his contract at the club at $800,000 per season but the situation with Lomax at the club became fractured when he was relocated from the centres to the wing.
The Sydney Morning Herald’s Andrew Webster said it was clear Lomax needed a circuit breaker but he was taking a massive risk by leaving the Dragons.
“He’s walking away from two years on his contract at $800,000 each year,” Webster said on SEN 1170.
“It’s a massive risk because he’s a quality player but I can’t see another club being prepared to throw that kind of money at him.
“A (mid-season) player swap is unlikely because most clubs’ salary caps are pretty full at this time of the year.
“He’s been in the Dragons system since he was 14.
“He was signed as a fullback and played the one game there before being moved to the centre and now wing.
"If he’s not happy then he’s not happy.
“It didn’t work under Paul McGregor, Anthony Griffin and now Shane Flanagan.
“I don’t know if untenable is the word I’d but it’s clear that he needed a change.”
The question surrounding Lomax is which club will acquire his services for the 2025 season.
Webster confirmed that Parramatta remain the frontrunners but the Sydney Roosters have emerged as a potential candidate.
“He’s a quality player and people seem to forget how good Lomax could be,” Webster said.
“A change of scenery and a different voice could spark his career and turn him into the NSW centre we’ve always hoped he could be.
“Parramatta are still the favourites but I’m expecting the Roosters to weigh in at one stage.
“They are looking for quality outside backs with Joey Manu and Joseph Suaalii going.”
Lomax has been named to play on the wing for the Dragons against the Newcastle Knights on Friday.