Zac Lomax Misses Western Force Debut Due to Hamstring Tightness Ahead of Fiji Match

Zac Lomax, who recently switched from rugby league to rugby union, was named on the reserves bench for the Western Force's Super Rugby Pacific match against the Queensland Reds on Saturday night in Brisbane. He experienced hamstring tightness in the lead-up and did not play. The Western Force won the match 42-19.

During the game, Force wingers Dylan Pietsch sustained a foot injury and Darby Lancaster an ankle injury. Both players are in doubt for the team's next match against the Fijian Drua in Lautoka, Fiji, on the following Saturday. If Lomax recovers, he could make his professional rugby debut in that fixture.

Lomax joined the Western Force three weeks ago, four matches into the season, after legal proceedings blocked a potential move to the Melbourne Storm in the NRL as of early March. He signed a two-year contract with the Force. Force coach Simon Cron commented on the potential debut.

“It'd be a hell of an introduction for him.”

Cron has coached in professional, club, and junior environments. Teammate Kurtley Beale is also available to assist Lomax in adapting to the 15-a-side game. Lomax previously represented New South Wales in State of Origin rugby league.

Ben Donaldson, the Force's fly-half, managed the team's attack during the win over the Reds. He executed plays including a cross-field kick for Lancaster's second-half try. Mac Grealy scored a try late in the first half, and Argentina international Franco Molina scored a hat-trick.

The Western Force have two wins from seven matches this season. A finals appearance remains possible but requires consistent performances. Queensland Reds fly-half Carter Gordon had missed three prior matches due to injury.