Zac Lomax: Western Force Switch & NRL Exit Reasons

Few NRL exits have been as closely watched as Zac Lomax’s departure from the Parramatta Eels. What began as a blocked transfer request and a $750,000 offer from the Melbourne Storm turned into a full code switch to rugby union, with Lomax signing with the Western Force in March 2026. Along the way, fans have been curious about his personal life, his Harry Potter tattoo, and the legal battle that kept him off the field. This article separates the confirmed facts from the lingering questions.

Current team: Western Force · Code switch year: 2026 · NRL career span: approx. 2018–2025 · State of Origin appearances: multiple (NSW) · Reported rejected transfer offer: $750,000 from Storm (Eels)

Nine facts about Zac Lomax, one pattern: a career defined by rapid change across codes.

What is happening with Zac Lomax?

Zac Lomax’s move to Super Rugby

• Lomax signed a two-year deal with the Western Force and Rugby Australia in March 2026 (Western Force official announcement)
• The move ended a contract dispute that had been brewing for months (ESPN)

After nearly a decade in the NRL, Lomax decided to switch codes. He previously represented the New South Wales Blues in State of Origin, making him one of the few players to step straight from Origin into Super Rugby.

Current role at the Western Force

• Lomax is listed as a winger in the Force squad (Western Force)
• He played the last seven games of the 2026 Super Rugby season, scoring two tries (ABC News)

The implication: Lomax’s transition is still in its early days, but his NRL pedigree suggests he could become a key player for the Force.

Why did Zac Lomax leave the Parramatta Eels?

Contract disputes and rejected offers

• The Eels refused to grant Lomax permission to move to Melbourne for the 2026 NRL season (ABC News)
• Parramatta commenced legal proceedings to enforce the release agreement (Reddit r/nrl)

The dispute reportedly went before the NSW Supreme Court, but details of the hearing remain sealed. The Eels argued that Lomax had signed a new agreement with the club in November 2025, and that a restraint clause would run until October 2027 (Parramatta Eels club statement).

Eels rejected $750,000 Storm offer

• A reported $750,000 transfer offer from the Melbourne Storm was turned down by Parramatta (ESPN)
• The Eels remained open to a player-swap deal only if it strengthened their squad (ESPN)

What this means: The Eels’ refusal to release Lomax forced a cross-code move that likely no one expected.

Does Zac Lomax have a partner?

Past relationship with Elizabeth

• Lomax was in a relationship with a woman named Elizabeth, but the couple have since separated (ABC News)
• The exact reasons for the split have not been publicly confirmed, though media speculation points to Lomax’s career pressures.

Current relationship status

• Lomax has not publicly announced a new partner, and his social media does not indicate a current relationship.

The catch: Without public confirmation, the reasons for the split remain speculative.

Does Zac Lomax have a Harry Potter tattoo?

Tattoo details

• Lomax has a visible Harry Potter-themed tattoo on his arm, a detail he has shared in interviews and on his Instagram feed.

Other known interests (boxing)

• Lomax has also expressed interest in boxing and has trained in the sport, though he has not pursued it professionally.

Why this matters: Lomax’s tattoo and boxing interest reveal a personality that fans enjoy off the field.

Why did Zac Lomax leave rugby league?

Opportunity in rugby union

• Lomax switched to rugby union for a fresh start, signing with the Western Force in March 2026 (ESPN)
• The contract dispute with the Eels made a return to the NRL difficult, and rugby union offered a clear path without the legal entanglements.

Western Force signing

• Lomax signed a two-year deal with both the Western Force and Rugby Australia, indicating a national-level commitment (Western Force)

The consequence: Lomax’s union career hangs on whether he can adapt quickly enough to make the Wallabies squad.

“Zac Lomax signed with the club on 16 November 2025.”

— Parramatta Eels club statement

“Zac Lomax has joined the Western Force and Rugby Australia on a two-year deal.”

— Western Force official announcement

For Australian rugby fans, the gamble is simple: either Lomax becomes a star in Super Rugby, or his code switch remains a footnote in a contract saga gone wrong.

Frequently asked questions

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