Zac Lomax Admits He Nearly Quit NRL for Combat Sports Amid Dragons Exit
Zac Lomax has revealed he seriously contemplated walking away from the NRL to pursue a professional fighting career during his dramatic departure from St George Illawarra. The Parramatta Eels recruit, who remains in the frame for NSW Origin selection, hasn’t ruled out a future move into either boxing or MMA once his current rugby league contract ends.
Speaking to Fox Sports Australia, the 25-year-old said training alongside UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski made him seriously consider switching sports amid the chaos of his 2024 contract standoff.
Lomax is preparing for a return to action with Parramatta, aiming for a Round 11 comeback against Newcastle after a foot injury kept him sidelined for a month. That potential return would leave him with just one match to prove himself to Blues coach Laurie Daley ahead of the Origin opener on May 28.
On Wednesday, Lomax trained with the Eels before appearing on Fox’s UFC Fight Week show alongside Robert Whittaker. Prior to the show, he opened up about his deep-rooted passion for combat sports and the behind-the-scenes talks with his family about leaving rugby league altogether.
During his time with the Dragons, Lomax regularly trained at Volkanovski’s gym and sparred with former Australian super middleweight Tyler Sargent-Jackson. He even cornered for Sargent-Jackson during the undercard of Paul Gallen’s surprise win over Lucas Browne in 2021.
Lomax confirmed that at the height of his issues with the Dragons, he considered becoming a full-time fighter—joining the ranks of crossover athletes like Anthony Mundine, Sonny Bill Williams, and Gallen.
“It’s a tough one,” Lomax said with a grin when asked how close he came to making the switch. “I’ve always liked to test myself. That’s part of why I left my last club—to challenge myself and see where my game could go.
“Boxing and MMA are both things I love. I was definitely weighing up different options and thinking about where my passion really was.”
He added: “Fighting has always been something I’ve enjoyed and committed myself to. I love the feeling of improvement every time I train. You just don’t know where life will take you—but for now, I’m focused on giving everything to rugby league.”
Now with the Eels, Lomax says he’s fully committed to success at Parramatta. “There’s still a lot I want to accomplish in rugby league. I want to get the most out of my career and continue to improve.”
Still, he hasn’t shut the door on combat sports entirely. “You never know what the future holds,” he said. “But I’m someone who gives 100% once I’ve made a decision. Right now, I’m giving that to the Eels.”
As for a return to the field, Lomax said: “Hopefully next week. The original plan was this week, but my foot was a bit sore in training. Fingers crossed for next Friday.”
Lomax is eager to get back and regain the strong form he showed earlier in the season before injury struck. “Last year was a breakthrough for me, and I want to keep building on that. I was happy with how I started this year, and I’m excited to get back out there.”
He also expressed his ambition to earn another shot at Origin. “It’s the peak of our game. I was lucky to be a part of it last year, and I’d love to be there again.”
Reflecting on his training with Volkanovski, Lomax said the experience was invaluable: “Volk and his coach Joe Lopez taught me so much. I trained with them as much as I could—grappling, striking, BJJ. It really opened my eyes.”
He also praised fellow Aussie fighter Jack Della Maddalena ahead of his UFC 315 title fight: “Jack’s an incredible boxer. I love his stance switches and the way he jabs—reminds me of Volk. He’s got that grit, that dog in him. I love that.”
Whether in rugby league or the fight game, Lomax’s competitive fire remains clear—and his journey could still take some unexpected turns.
