Zac Lomax Breaks Silence: “Financial Debt is Eating Me Alive”
In a raw and emotional revelation, Parramatta Eels star Zac Lomax has opened up for the first time about his mounting financial struggles, admitting that debt has taken a serious toll on both his personal life and mental health.
Speaking exclusively to The Daily Scrum, the 25-year-old Origin winger said that despite his lucrative move to the Eels — a deal reportedly worth $2.6 million over four years — he is “barely sleeping at night” as the weight of poor financial decisions and lingering debts from his past life at the Dragons catch up with him.
“People see the paychecks, the sponsorships, and the bright lights, but they don’t see what’s going on behind closed doors,” Lomax said. “I’ve made mistakes, trusted the wrong people, and now I’m drowning. The truth is, financial debt is eating me alive.”
Lomax’s troubles reportedly stem from a series of investments gone wrong during his early NRL years, including a failed property development in Wollongong and involvement in a gym franchise that folded just months after opening. Sources close to the player say he also extended financial help to friends and family, leaving him vulnerable when returns never materialised.
“I was 20, making decent money, and thought I was doing the right thing — helping people, trying to build something outside footy,” Lomax admitted. “But I had no idea how quickly things could spiral.”
While he declined to disclose the exact figure of his debt, Lomax described it as “life-changing,” hinting that it exceeds seven figures. He has since enlisted the help of a financial advisor and is working closely with the Rugby League Players Association to develop a repayment strategy, but says the burden remains heavy.
“There were nights I just sat in the car after training, too ashamed to go home. I felt like a failure, even when fans were cheering my name on game day.”
Lomax’s openness is being applauded within the rugby league community, with mental health advocates praising his courage in shedding light on an issue many professional athletes face but rarely speak about.
“Zac’s honesty could save lives,” said NRL Wellbeing Officer Tanya Mills. “Debt and financial anxiety are huge stressors, especially for young athletes who are thrust into wealth and attention without the life skills to manage it.”
Parramatta coach Dean Widders said the club stands fully behind Lomax and will provide any support he needs both on and off the field.
“Zac is one of the hardest-working, most resilient players we have. His bravery in speaking up only reinforces how strong he truly is,” Widders said.
Despite his personal battles, Lomax has remained in strong form throughout the 2025 season, recently earning praise for his Origin I performance and scoring a crucial try against his former club, St George Illawarra.
As for the future, Lomax is determined to take back control of his finances and use his story to help educate younger players coming into the game.
“If I can stop just one young bloke from making the same mistakes I did, then maybe there’s a purpose in all this,” he said. “I’m not out of the woods, but I’m learning — and I’m not giving up.”
