Zac Lomax inked his name into the Chiefs history book by being the first player to sign a contract on PNG soil after formalising a three-year deal with the NRL expansion club.
Lomax becomes Chief #005 after officially signing his contract at Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday in the presence of his family, PNG Chiefs CEO Lorna McPherson and GM Football Michael Chammas and the local media.
The Australian international and NSW State of Origin star will return to the NRL in 2028 with the Chiefs after switching codes this season to join Western Force.
“I did not think that it (return to NRL) would be so soon, but life changes and circumstances do and it is all for the better," said Lomax, who began his career as a fullback for the Dragons but has mostly played in the centres or on the wing.
“For me, everything comes for a reason and you go with your heart and gut.
“I am all in and it is obviously in 2028 so with regards to rugby I am still there (with Western Force) for another year and really looking forward to finish the best I can, and compete to the best I can,” said Lomax.
Prior to signing his contract, Lomax sat alongside PNG Prime Minister James Marape and watched Hela Wigmen v Gulf Isou and Port Moresby Vipers v Waghi Tumbe in a Digicel ExxonMobil Cup Round 15 double header.
He later addressed the crowd and announced he was set to sign with the Chiefs, declaring: “We are going to shock the NRL, I am telling you, and I can’t wait to be a part of it".
Lomax described the opportunity to join the Chiefs as an unbelievable privilege and honour.
Zac Lomax is made for Origin
“I’m so grateful and humbled," he said. “When you walk down the streets, travel to and from places, you see how much and what it (rugby league) means to the whole tribe of people, the smiles and what you can create for everyone around.
“Rugby league actually speaks volumes, and it is a different language over here (in PNG), fills my heart with so much joy and pride and my family. I’m privileged to be number #005 here and super pumped and excited."
Chammas welcomed Lomax signing and Lomax now joins fellow star signings like Jarome Luai (Chief 001) Alex Johnston (Chief 002) Connor Watson (Chief 003) and Matty Lees (Chief 004).
“It is really special to have his partner, Kayla Green, and his mum and his dad here," Chammas said.
"To do this here (in Port Moresby), Zac becomes the first PNG Chiefs player to be announced here in the country, and it is special for everyone.
“We are delighted to have Zac onboard, and everyone knows how phenomenal a footballer he is. He will do wonderful things for this country."
Lomax and his family toured the PNG Chiefs facilities, including their head office at Santos National Football Stadium, the accommodation for players and coaching staff at Airways and Loloata Island resort.
Lomax said he was also excited by what the franchise plans to do for community.
“It is the impact that we can have on people’s life and this country in particular," he said.
“It fills me with pride to know that I can make such a huge impact on this nation.
“Just to see the joy and pride that you can create for these people … I am a person first and football player second and that is what I love so much about it. I can't wait to be part of this nation.”
