In a dramatic showdown at Suncorp Stadium, Zac Lomax came back to haunt his former club, kicking the Parramatta Eels to their first win of the 2025 NRL season in a gritty contest against the St George Illawarra Dragons.
The high-stakes clash saw two of the game’s biggest off-season moves take centre stage, with Lomax lining up for the Eels and Clint Gutherson wearing the red and white for the Dragons. In the end, it was Lomax’s boot that proved the difference, guiding Parramatta to a vital 22-20 win despite a double from the Dragons’ new co-captain Gutherson.
LOMAX SHINES IN BLUE AND GOLD
After requesting a release from the Dragons in 2024 to pursue a long-term deal elsewhere, Lomax signed with the Eels on a four-year contract. And it didn’t take long for him to make his mark.
The versatile back was instrumental throughout the match — not just in open play, but with his flawless kicking display. Lomax slotted five goals from five attempts, including a late penalty that sealed the result for the Eels in the dying minutes.
His calm under pressure and commitment in defence gave Parramatta the edge in a tightly contested battle, with his every touch met with boos from the Dragons faithful and cheers from his new home crowd.
GUTHERSON DOUBLE NOT ENOUGH
On the other side, Clint Gutherson delivered a captain’s performance for the Dragons. Facing his former club for the first time since his shock switch to Wollongong in late 2024, Gutherson looked determined to make a statement — and he did, crossing the line twice in the first half.
The former Eels skipper linked well with new halves partner Jesse Marschke and showed no signs of rust despite limited pre-season minutes due to a hamstring issue. His experience and composure brought stability to the Dragons’ backline, but ultimately his individual brilliance wasn’t enough to drag his side over the line.
EELS SILENCE DOUBTERS
Coming into Round 5 without a win to their name and with many tipping them to finish near the bottom of the ladder, the Eels needed a spark — and Lomax provided it. The win not only lifts morale at Parramatta but also vindicates the club’s decision to back their new signings and trust in a refreshed core.
Coach Brad Arthur praised Lomax’s maturity after the game.
“Zac’s a competitor. He wanted to come here and make an impact, and that’s exactly what he did tonight,” Arthur said. “He trained well all week, and when it counted, he stepped up.”
DRAGONS STILL FINDING THEIR GROOVE
Despite the loss, there were positives for Shane Flanagan’s Dragons. Gutherson’s impact, the continued rise of Tyrell Sloan, and the energy of young forward Haele Finau were all highlights. However, poor discipline and crucial missed tackles ultimately cost them the game.
“We were in control for large periods,” Flanagan said. “But you can’t afford to give a team like Parramatta opportunities, especially when you’ve got a sharpshooter like Lomax on the other side.”
WHAT’S NEXT
The Eels will look to build on their first win of the year when they face the in-form Cowboys next week, while the Dragons return home to Wollongong for a crucial clash against the Titans.
In a match packed with storylines, redemption, and rivalry, Zac Lomax’s move to Parramatta has already begun to pay dividends — and with Clint Gutherson leading a new era at the Dragons, this won’t be the last time these two clubs deliver firework.
