Zac Lomax is finally playing in his preferred centre position but NSW Blues coach Michael Maguire still sees an Origin winger in the Eels’ star signing.
Maguire said form and character will guide his first Origin selection calls in six weeks, and hopes to see South Sydney’s Latrell Mitchell rediscover the “right headspace” that previously led to him dominating the interstate arena.
The Blues coach rang Lomax after his first game on the wing for the Dragons earlier this year, and the St George Illawarra star has been in career-best form since, despite insisting his preference is to play centre.
Lomax will do exactly that for the Dragons against the Warriors on Friday, shifting to right centre in place of Jack Bird (concussion).
On Tuesday, Parramatta confirmed his signing on a four-year deal from next season worth about $2.6 million, which amounts to an initial pay cut of almost $200,000 from the $850,000 wage outlined in his Dragons deal for 2025 and 2026.
Like his predecessor Brad Fittler, Maguire is wary of distractions – contract or otherwise – around prospective Blues but acknowledged that, on form, Lomax is one of his top options out wide.
Zac Lomax’s rich vein of form continued against the Tigers on Sunday.Credit: Getty
“He’s certainly sticking his hand up with how he’s playing and that’s what I go by,” Maguire told this masthead.
“I’ve got quite a number of players who are performing well in that wing position. But there’s no reason why he can’t [be picked]. He’s just got to keep playing consistent and keep doing the things he’s doing. There’s obviously a fair bit of chatter around how he’s performing.
“That means he’s doing something well and he’s got to keep doing that. He’s aware there are things that he needs to do to push himself into the Origin arena. We’ve had that chat. If he keeps doing that and going the way he’s going, we’ll wait and see.”
NSW have been relatively settled on the flanks, using only Brian To’o, Josh Addo-Carr and Daniel Tupou since 2020, but have numerous options across the three-quarter line.
Billy Slater and Michael Maguire launch this year’s Origin series at the MCG.Credit: Getty
Mitchell and Tom Trbojevic, when fit, have been pivotal to the Blues’ most recent series victories, while Kotoni Staggs, Stephen Crichton, Bradman Best and Izack Tago are all options in the centres as well.
The positions of five-eighth, with all eyes on Mitchell Moses’ return from a broken foot in six weeks and Jarome Luai recovering from a knee injury this week, and fullback, where Dylan Edwards is challenging incumbent skipper James Tedesco, shape as NSW’s big selection battles.
Maguire has watched injuries strike down several key players this season, and Mitchell will serve another two weeks’ suspension after a drama-filled start to the year at the Rabbitohs.
Maguire has met numerous NSW greats since taking the job and identified the “character of players I want to bring into the Blues”.
Latrell Mitchell has dominated Origin, when he’s been able to get on the paddock.Credit: Brook Mitchell
At his best, Mitchell has dominated Queensland, particularly in 2021 when he returned to the Blues fold, but he has also had issues with injury management while in NSW camp.
“Everyone knows what Latrell can do,” Maguire said.
“Souths are going through a tough period but Latrell can get himself in the right headspace to perform for his club and really help NSW, too.
“You’ve got to be settled mentally and physically for Origin, so I’m working to get to know the players really well.
“It’s an arena that demands a lot from you, you’ve got to be in the right frame of mind, settled mentally and physically for Origin, and that’s what I’ve been looking at so far.
“We need all our guys to be playing at their best, including Latrell.”
Meanwhile, Roosters captain Tedesco returns from a head knock for Thursday’s clash with Melbourne, shifting Joey Manu back to the centres.
Halfback Sam Walker has been named in the extended reserves after his own concussion two weeks ago, while Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been named to play his first game of 2024 for the Storm.
The Eels have recalled young gun Blaize Talagi in a bench utility role against the Dolphins as Lachlan Galvin returns from suspension at five-eighth for the Tigers against Penrith. Playmaking recruit Jayden Sullivan has been dropped to NSW Cup with Latu Fainu preferred on the bench.
The Panthers have named Luai in the halves, though Nathan Cleary (hamstring) is another week away from returning.
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