Lomax inks a three-year deal with PNG Chiefs

One of the National Rugby League’s (NRL) modern-day aerial specialists, Zac Lomax, has signed a three-year contract with the Papua New Guinea Chiefs, with the deal running from 2028-2030. 

The official contract signing between Lomax and the PNG Chiefs took place on Sunday, 26 July 2026, at the PNG Chiefs headquarters, Santos National Football Stadium, in Port Moresby. 

Lomax flew into Port Moresby on Saturday (July 25th) with his partner, parents, and sister to tour the PNG Chiefs’ facilities, and immediately made up his mind to join the rookie club the next day.

The dual-code athlete made his NRL debut for the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2018. He stayed with the Dragons for seven years and joined the Parramatta Eels in 2025 before switching to rugby union and plying his trade with the Western Force.

He will join the Chiefs at the conclusion of his current rugby union contract with the Western Force, bringing with him an outstanding resume built across the NRL and representative football.

The New South Welshman said he was happy to sign with the NRL’s inaugural team, describing Papua New Guineans as the most passionate fans. 

“For me, I want to say that it’s an unbelievable privilege and honor to sign with the PNG Chiefs,” Lomax expressed.

“I think the best thing for me is when I go down the streets and travel to different places and see the people smile, and what the game means to them is very special.

“Rugby league speaks absolute volumes, and it’s a different language over here, which fills my heart with so much joy and pride. I’m absolutely stoked and privileged to be player #005.” 

PNG Chiefs General Manager of Football Michael Chammas welcomed Lomax to the Chiefs family, announcing that the winger became the first player to sign his contract in PNG.

“It’s a very short notice, but when Zac makes up his mind, he makes up his mind,” Chammas said.

“It’s very special to have his family here today to witness his official signing with the PNG Chiefs.

“To do this here as the first-ever PNG Chiefs player announced in the country is very special for everyone.

“We love to have Zac on board, who is a phenomenal player. We are honored to have Zac here, and I know he will do wonderful things for this country. Welcome on board, Zac.” 

PNG Chiefs Chief Executive Officer Lorna McPherson shared similar sentiments: “On behalf of the PNG Chiefs, welcome aboard.

“I can not tell you how proud I am. I’ve gotten to know Zac in the last few months, and he is just an amazing guy.

“Zac’s one of the best athletes in Australia, so it says everything about him as a player and what we want to build for the Chiefs.

“We want to create a team for Papua New Guinea - one that’s going to excite everybody, one that’s going to make everyone smile, and one that’s going to unite the country.

“Everybody wants to be a Chief. This is for you, PNG. Zac is officially player #005 for the PNG Chiefs.

“Zac, you will absolutely love being here. We are going to change PNG, and we deserve a seat at the table. This is an exciting signing. Onwards and upwards, and here’s to 2028.” 

Lomax joined the ranks of Chiefs’ inaugural signing, comprising Jarome Luai, Alex Johnston, and Connor Watson, including development players, Morea Morea Jnr, Finley Glare, and Gairo Voro.

Chammas revealed that they would sign more players in the coming months as the PNG Chiefs continue to build a formidable roster ahead of the club’s historic NRL debut in 2028.