In a surprising twist to one of rugby league’s most fascinating off-field stories of the year, Zac Lomax is reportedly assessing an entirely new direction for his professional sporting career — and this time, it may lead him far away from a footy field. The former Parramatta Eels and St George Illawarra Dragons star is said to be seriously weighing a transition into combat sports, including boxing or mixed martial arts, as uncertainty continues to swirl around the controversial R360 competition that he is widely expected to join.
Lomax, just 26 and still considered one of the most naturally gifted athletes to come through the NRL in recent years, shocked the rugby league community by walking away from Parramatta only one season into a lucrative four-year contract believed to be worth $2.6 million. His early exit triggered immediate speculation about his future, especially amid persistent reports that he would be one of the marquee signings for R360 — a proposed breakaway competition scheduled for launch in October next year.
But with R360 still surrounded by ambiguity, questions about player contracts, and ongoing debate about whether the rebel league can secure the financial stability required to operate, Lomax’s next career steps remain unclear. As a result, alternative sporting paths are now being discussed publicly, including a possible move to French Rugby or, more intriguingly, a crossover into professional fighting.
Lomax has long been vocal about his passion for mixed martial arts, frequently referencing how the discipline appeals to him physically, mentally, and competitively. His close relationship with UFC champion Alex Volkanovski has further fuelled speculation. Their bond goes back years, dating to Lomax’s tenure with the Dragons, and their connection has only strengthened through regular training sessions together. This week, Lomax was once again spotted inside Volkanovski’s gym in Wollongong — a sighting that immediately intensified whispers that the NRL star may be preparing for a major sporting pivot.
Volkanovski’s long-time coach, the highly respected Joe Lopez, confirmed that Lomax has been training with the team consistently. Lopez expressed genuine belief that Lomax possesses the potential to transition successfully into combat sports, provided he commits fully to the craft.
Lopez said the following in an interview with Fox Sports:
"Exactly what happens will be up to Zac," he explained. "But I just know that when he isn't training for footy, he's always here doing stuff with us."
Lopez went on to emphasise that while Lomax is not yet at the level of internationally seasoned fighters, he is already capable of performing strongly against athletes from similar backgrounds.
"When it comes to world class boxers, no not yet. But if Zac was going to fight, say, another couple of NRL players, I think he smokes 'em."
The trainer continued by praising Lomax’s natural aptitude for combat sports, something he says distinguishes him from other rugby league players who frequently visit the gym for off-season sparring.
"I've had a few NRL boys in here do some sparring and they're all tough. But the difference with Zac, he has some real talent."
Lopez even went a step further, suggesting that Lomax’s athletic skills may translate effectively across multiple sporting disciplines — a rare trait.
"I actually think no matter what sport this kid applies himself to, he would do well."
One particular quality Lopez highlighted was Lomax’s ability to judge distance, a key technical component in both striking and grappling.
"When it comes to fighting too, Zac has a very good eye for judging distance, which is also something Volk had from the very start."
He added that this natural vision is a massive advantage because "That's really hard to train."
Earlier this week, Lomax himself openly discussed his interest in both boxing and MMA during a conversation with former UFC champion Rob Whittaker. His comments revealed that the idea of changing sports is not something new; instead, it has been simmering in the background since his frustrations over positional changes during his time with St George Illawarra.
He told Fox Sports:
"Being down in Wollongong I was fortunate enough to do a bit of training with Volk and his coach and I just fell in love with is straight away."
Lomax further described how his admiration for combat sports grew as he became more immersed in the environment.
"I've been a boxing fan since I was a kid but rubbing shoulders with those guys I fell in love with the UFC. I remember talking to my family a little bit about things."
He admitted that during difficult stretches of his NRL career, he found himself contemplating whether his future passion aligned more with rugby league or with the challenge of combat sports.
"I was weighing up different options and thinking about where my passions were leaning."
And as he concluded in candid fashion:
"And again, boxing and MMA is something I love."
As the sports world watches this situation unfold, Lomax’s next decision could become one of the most compelling athlete-career storylines heading into next year. Whether he lines up in French Rugby, becomes a headline signing for R360, or steps into the ring or octagon, one thing is clear — his athletic journey is far from ordinary, and the next chapter may be his boldest yet.
