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PNG Chiefs sign Zac Lomax as fifth NRL expansion recruit

The Papua New Guinea Chiefs, an NRL expansion club entering in 2028, have signed former NSW star Zac Lomax as their fifth marquee player. Lomax, currently with the Western Force in Super Rugby, will join the Chiefs in 2028 alongside Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, and Matty Lees.

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PNG Chiefs sign Zac Lomax as fifth NRL expansion recruit

PNG Chiefs sign Zac Lomax as fifth NRL expansion recruit

The short answer

The PNG Chiefs, an NRL expansion team set to debut in 2028, have signed Zac Lomax, a former NSW and Kangaroos representative, as their fifth major recruit. Lomax, who left the Parramatta Eels for a short-lived stint with the Western Force in Super Rugby, will return to rugby league with the Chiefs on a three-year deal. He was unveiled as 'Chief 005' at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby. The Chiefs have also signed Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, and Matty Lees. Meanwhile, teenage rugby star Treyvon Pritchard turned down the Chiefs and Sydney Roosters to extend his contract with the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia.

Why it's trending

The signing of Zac Lomax by the PNG Chiefs marks a major milestone in the NRL's expansion plans, drawing attention to the league's growth into Papua New Guinea. Lomax's return to rugby league after a cross-code move and the Chiefs' aggressive recruitment drive have sparked widespread discussion among NRL fans and media.

The Papua New Guinea Chiefs, an NRL expansion club set to join the competition in 2028, have signed former NSW and Kangaroos utility Zac Lomax as their fifth marquee player. Lomax, 26, was unveiled as 'Chief 005' on Sunday at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, where he addressed fans: 'We are going to shock the NRL, I am telling you.' The signing ends a tumultuous 12 months for Lomax, who departed the Parramatta Eels for a planned move to the rival R360 competition, then joined the Western Force in Super Rugby when R360 was delayed.

Lomax joins a growing roster that includes Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, and Matty Lees. Chiefs general manager of football Michael Chammas praised Lomax's 'versatility, goal-kicking ability and desire to contribute.' The club had also pursued teenage rugby star Treyvon Pritchard, but the 19-year-old Queensland Reds and Junior Wallabies back turned down the Chiefs and Sydney Roosters to sign a three-year extension with Rugby Australia, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.

The NRL expansion plans include the Chiefs entering in 2028, a year after the Perth Bears. Lomax will remain with the Western Force through the 2027 season and is sidelined with a groin injury expected to keep him out for four to six weeks. League legend Andrew Johns called the signing 'huge' on Nine, adding that Lomax could play fullback for the Chiefs.

The Lomax signing underscores the NRL's push to establish a team in Papua New Guinea, a rugby league-mad nation. The Chiefs' recruitment of established NRL talent signals their intent to be competitive from their debut season. However, the loss of Pritchard to rugby union highlights ongoing cross-code competition for young talent.

Timeline

  1. NRL announces PNG Chiefs as expansion team for 2028

    The NRL confirms the Papua New Guinea Chiefs will join the competition in 2028, part of a broader expansion including the Perth Bears in 2027.

  2. Lomax leaves Eels for R360, then joins Western Force

    Zac Lomax was set to join the rival R360 competition but its start was delayed. He instead signed with the Western Force in Super Rugby.

  3. Chiefs sign first four players

    The PNG Chiefs announce signings of Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, and Matty Lees.

  4. Zac Lomax signs with PNG Chiefs

    Lomax is unveiled as 'Chief 005' at Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby, signing a three-year deal starting in 2028.

  5. Treyvon Pritchard turns down Chiefs

    Rising rugby star Treyvon Pritchard, 19, rejects offers from the PNG Chiefs and Sydney Roosters to re-sign with the Queensland Reds and Rugby Australia.

Questions people ask

When will the PNG Chiefs join the NRL?

The PNG Chiefs will enter the NRL in 2028, a year after the Perth Bears debut in 2027.

Who else has signed with the PNG Chiefs?

Before Zac Lomax, the Chiefs signed Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, Connor Watson, and Matty Lees.

Why did Zac Lomax leave the NRL?

Lomax left the Parramatta Eels to join the proposed R360 competition, but when its start was delayed, he signed with the Western Force in Super Rugby.

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