St George Illawarra are reportedly expecting an immediate release request from wantaway outside back Zac Lomax but are set to stand in the way of any move this year.
That’s according to The Daily Telegraph’s Michael Carayannis, who told SEN the Dragons want something in return for the star.
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Lomax has been angling for a release all season after new coach Shane Flanagan moved the 24-year-old to the wing rather than his preferred centre position.
However, it’s been a continued bone of contention for the team despite Lomax being arguably the Dragons’ best player so far this season.
Last week, Dragons skipper Ben Hunt confirmed Lomax “does want to leave” and Carayannis revealed the club had pushed a discussion about a potential exit to after round four.
“When Zac (Lomax) first approached (the Dragons) about the potential for a release they said ‘No way, we’re not even gonna entertain it’,” Carayannis said, speaking on SEN’s Breakfast with Vossy and Brandy.
“Let’s give you a month to see how things are and settle after the first four games … and that’s next week.
“The Dragons aren’t going to let him go for nothing this year and they aren’t going to chip in a significant amount of his wage to go play elsewhere in the next couple years.
“The Dragons are of the belief that Lomax will ask for an immediate release and the Dragons have no intention to release Zac Lomax immediately.”
Lomax has been linked to several clubs but the Eels have been continually mentioned as a potential landing spot.
However, Carayannis reports the Dragons could part ways with Lomax at the end of the year.
“Parramatta are circling, The only way the Dragons would release him this year is if they could get something significant in terms of a player,” Carayannis added.
“It does open the door for him to leave at the end of this year and they may not need a player in return, just the fact that if someone is willing to pick up most or all of his $800,000.”
But a move to Parramatta may not be a certainty with Blazie Talagi taking over Dylan Brown’s No. 6 jersey and the latter moving into the No. 7 vacated by Mitchell Moses, who is set for a long stint on the sidelines with a broken foot.
Speaking on SEN, Andrew Voss suggested if Lomax was disgruntled about playing on the wing for the Red V, he might not have the chance when Moses returns either.
“Blaize Talagi now on the scene, Will Penisini … is a centre spot a given? Talagi might never play lower grades again,” Voss said.
“If he excels on Monday … once Brown and Moses are back available then you have to find a sport for him, he might be that good.”
News Corp reported that the Dragons were looking for a player swap with Talagi one option, while the club was also monitoring reports of potential unrest around Nelson Asofa-Solomona at the Storm.
Last week it emerged that new Blues coach Michael Maguire had called Lomax to reveal the star was in the mix for a potential Origin debut.
Ex-Dragons hooker Andrew McCullough rubbished the idea that Lomax was alone while speaking on SEN, saying: “He’s not going to ring just Zac Lomax and one other bloke, he’d be doing it to everyone to keep intensity up for spots, encourage those guys to push for those spots.”