Disgruntled Dragons star Zac Lomax will depart the club at the end of the season after being granted an early release from his contract believed to be worth up to $800,000 a year.
The Dragons on Tuesday released a statement confirming the club had reached an agreement with Lomax and his management. The outside back’s contracted years for 2025 and 2026 will be terminated with no financial contribution from the club for those years.
After months of speculation about his future, the 24-year-old is now free to negotiate with rival clubs.
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“By finalising this decision now, it provides both Zac and the club with clarity regarding the future, allowing us time to strategise for the upcoming seasons,” Dragons CEO Ryan Webb said in a statement.
“This arrangement enables the Dragons to focus on refining our Top 30 roster and utilising additional cap space, while Zac can pursue his future endeavours with another club.”
Lomax, one of the Dragons’ highest paid players, has been unsettled for some time and was reportedly unhappy with being shifted from the centres to the wing this season — although he has shown strong form in the opening rounds.
Lomax has previously linked with the Parramatta Eels but he’s likely to attract interest from a host of rival clubs.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the Eels contacted the Dragons last month to inquire about Lomax’s contract status, while the Temora product was reportedly open to an immediate switch to Parramatta.
Lomax has made 97 appearances for the Dragons since his NRL debut in 2018, scoring 677 points for the club.
“Zac has consistently demonstrated his talent and dedication to the club, especially in the face of external noise,” Dragons coach Shane Flanagan said.
“We have full confidence that he will maintain his high level of performance for the remainder of the season, benefiting all those associated with the Dragons.”
The Dragons will next face the Knights in Newcastle on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm AEDT.