Eels player banished from sidelines after melee…

Zac Lomax has calmed fears that he could backflip on his deal with Parramatta stating that he is looking forward to playing under new coach Jason Ryles next year. Ryles will take the reins at the Eels in 2025 and will be joined by the Dragons star, who signed a four-year deal with the Eels, albeit under the assumption Brad Arthur would still be the Parramatta coach.

After Lomax signed with Parramatta questions were raised about what sparked his decision to leave the Dragons, given that he is in career-best form, is enjoying his footy and is taking a significant pay cut to join the Eels. The widespread theory was that he wanted to play centre rather than wing but Shane Flanagan’s decision to play him on the flank has seen an incredible form resurgence and directly resulted in him earning a Blues debut.

The circumstances have, however, changed a lot since Lomax struck an agreement with the Eels in April, leading many to believe he may back out of the deal and stay at the Red V. But on Monday, the 23-year-old put those rumours to bed.

“The Eels appointed him (Ryles), and they are confident in their decision. He’s got the runs on the board, he’s been in some winning systems. It’s positive signs, I’m looking forward to the Eels,” Lomax said on Monday.

“I haven’t had too much to do with Rylesy, he was part of the coaching staff when I was in the Junior Roos system. To be honest, I don’t want to talk on it too much, I’ve signed a four-year deal there. But mate for me to talk on it right now, while I’m in camp… I don’t want anything to take away the spotlight from what we are trying to achieve here at Origin.”