The future of Zac Lomax has just been made a little less clear, with new Dragons coach Shane Flanagan revealing that misfiring utility Jack Bird will start the 2024 NRL season in the centres.
In a surprising move, Bird – who won a premiership with Flanagan at the Sharks earlier in his career – will move back out wide, despite struggling with fitness and injury concerns in the forwards last year.
The 28-year-old was limited to just 14 appearances in the Red V last season and has continued to battle knee problems, but that hasn't stopped Flanagan from placing faith in him to return to the form that once saw him selected for State of Origin duties.
READ MORE: JT reveals scary Smith reality after shock exit
READ MORE: Gun teen's brutal try racks up more than 100 million views
READ MORE: How World Cup star was snubbed from AB Medal podium
Speaking on SEN Radio, Flanagan revealed the Berkeley Eagles junior would be switching positions again after a disrupted run under the coaching of Anthony Griffin.
"We've moved him to the centres," the coach said.
"He'll predominantly play, I would hope so, most of his footy in the centres.
"He could play a little bit of five-eighth if we have an injury or form, but that's where he'll play most of his footy, at right centre.
"He's done a really good job, he's lost a lot of weight and put on muscle, I'm looking for a really good season."
Bird is one of the more experienced players in the St George Illawarra squad, making 142 first grade appearances to date, but is entering a crucial year for his future.
But it's the future of Lomax that is now the biggest question mark for the Dragons, with the fleet-footed star's touted move to fullback also in doubt, with Flanagan revealing that young gun Tyrell Sloan is in the box-seat to retain the No.1 jumper.
"Sloan is a fullback down and out, that's his best position," he said.
"He's so fast out the back of shape … you've got your Reece Walsh, I'm not saying he's in that category, but he'd be up there with speed.
"If he gets one-on-one with a backrower, good luck trying to stop him, and that's what they're trying to with Reece Walsh and these blokes out the back of shapes.
"He's got some areas to work on defensively, but he's done a really good job … he's worked really hard defensively, he knows what his weaknesses are.
"We address them every training session at some point and I think he's bought into it."
Lomax's best position is undoubtedly at centre, but he could now potentially be forced to the left wing, with Fijian international Mikaele Ravalawa locking down the other spot in recent years with his finishing ability and powerful running game out of trouble.
Wide World Of Sports can reveal Lomax has received little feedback from Flanagan regarding his plans for the season and where he is slated to play, despite being on an estimated $700,000 per year at the club.
The 24-year-old was touted as a future NSW Origin star when he burst onto the scene for the Dragons back 2018, but despite some strong runs of form and glimpses of brilliance, Lomax has never been able to find the consistency required to become a representative-level player.
Some of his struggles could come down to the players around him and the lack of stability in the coach's box, while some of his defensive efforts and errors have been costly for the Saints over the years.
And while it's never a bad position to be in with players competing for spots, having one of the club's highest-paid and most important players in Lomax stuck on the wing - or potentially sitting on the bench – is definitely less than ideal.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.