NRL 2025: Zac Lomax firming as favourite to take over goalkicking duties from captain Mitchell Moses at Eels
Zac Lomax looks set to be entrusted with a key role at the Eels which has implications for his captain Mitchell Moses, plus his premium appeal on SuperCoach. See the latest pre-season news.
Zac Lomax is the early favourite to take over the goalkicking duties at Parramatta as the Eels consider lightening the load on halfback and potential captain Mitchell Moses.
Kangaroos and NSW Origin winger Lomax has made an immediate impact since arriving at the club’s Kellyville base, fulfilling new Parramatta coach Jason Ryles’ wish for more speed in the backline.
Lomax and Moses both returned to training ahead of schedule, with the latter coming back three weeks early to be part of Ryles’ preparations for the 2025 campaign.
The pair were part of Australia’s Pacific Championships-winning side, having earlier teamed up to guide NSW to an Origin series victory over Queensland.
Lomax, who was named Dally M winger of the year, has revealed he will switch back to left centre with the Eels, who have also recruited Canterbury speedster Josh Addo-Carr.
While the 25-year-old will work on his left-edge combination with Dylan Brown at training, he will also stake his claim for the Eels’ goalkicking duties.
Parramatta have two elite goalkicking options. Lomax has a success rate of 79.8 per cent, while incumbent Moses is a 76 per cent accuracy.
Lomax got the nod over Moses in both Australia and NSW camp.
Sources at the Eels suggest Lomax could be Ryles’ preferred option to start the season but the coach is in no rush to make a call just yet.
Rohan Kelly
Ryles’ goalkicking call could also be a sign that he will entrust Moses with more of a leadership role in 2025, and may look to balance his duties.
It’s not only the backs who are experiencing a shake up, with Ryles’ gruelling pre-season having an effect on their forwards.
Pack leader Junior Paulo will head into round one a lighter, more mobile forward, after already stripping close to 10kg from his frame.
There were question marks around Paulo given Ryles allowed Reagan Campbell-Gillard to leave to the Gold Coast, as he placed a premium on leg speed in Parramatta’s pack.
Ryles has wasted no time in instilling his will on the group, with Paulo’s noticeably more streamlined physique the prime example.
Club insiders believe Paulo could start the season even lighter, with Ryles keen to exploit the 31-year-old’s footwork and supreme ball-handling skills.
The Eels conceded almost 30 points per game in 2024 as they narrowly avoided the wooden spoon.
Ryles identified early, his intention to improve their defence.
Players have revealed how the former Melbourne Storm and Sydney Roosters assistant coach had simplified their defensive structure, making it easier for players to understand their roles.
Away from the field, the Eels will have some serious ramifications on this year’s NRL SuperCoach competition.
At $773,000, Lomax will start as the second-most expensive CTW in 2025.
However, his anticipated move from the wing to the centres has SuperCoach players wondering whether it will affect his output.
The Parramatta recruit produced a career year at the Dragons and is now the ninth most expensive player overall.
While Lomax is an elite SuperCoach purchase, fellow new recruit Isaiah Iongi is an option for cheapie of the year.
Iongi may well become the most popular cheapie of 2025.
The talented young gun has made the switch from Penrith to Parramatta and is set to start at fullback in place of Clint Gutherson (Dragons).
