Zac Lomax made a strong statement to the NSW selectors upon his return for the Eels, demonstrating that a brief absence due to injury hasn’t diminished his on-field prowess. After missing several games since round five because of a foot injury, he had just 80 minutes against the Knights to showcase his skills and staked his claim for a spot in the Origin team.
Lomax quickly left his mark in Newcastle, contributing 16 points in the Eels’ comprehensive 28-6 victory over the Knights. He helped secure the game by converting Mitchell Moses’ try and celebrated his 50th career try after a remarkable leap to catch a high pass in the first half. Commentator Steve Roach praised his impressive finish and athleticism during the match coverage.
As he continued to dominate, Lomax challenged the Knights’ debutant Fletcher Hunt and pushed for scoring opportunities. Although the Eels faced challenges in the final moments of the first half, the second half saw Lomax further assert his presence with a sleek try from a pass by Will Penisini. The play was subject to some debate over whether it involved a knock-on, but a review by the Bunker concluded that Lomax’s second try was valid, allowing him to convert his own score.
The game continued to be a struggle for Newcastle, especially as they attempted to celebrate Dane Gagai’s milestone of 300 matches. Multiple errors hampered their performance, despite a late attempt by James Schiller to score, which came in the 76th minute. With Kai Pearce-Paul receiving marching orders, Lomax added more points for the Eels.
In the closing moments, Lomax gathered a bomb kick to conclude the match. Post-game, Moses spoke highly of Lomax, acknowledging the confidence he brings to the team. As the Eels celebrate a decisive win, all eyes will be on Lomax as he awaits the announcement for selection in the 2025 State of Origin series, which will come after round 11, with teams due to be confirmed by Monday.