St George Illawarra will look to build their future around Zac Lomax after the exciting young star signed a long-term contract extension with the club, with the Dragons hoping he will remain a one-club player throughout his career.
Lomax has re-signed with the Dragons for another five years, keeping him at the club until at least the end of the 2025 season.
A Temora Dragons junior, Lomax has been contracted to the club since he was 13-years-old. A graduate of St George Illawarra's junior pathway, Lomax made his NRL debut in round 10, 2018.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor will give the 20-year-old the first crack at fullback next season ahead of the seemingly out of favour Matt Dufty, with Lomax keen to make the No.1 jersey his own.
"Being able to go back to Temora at Christmas knowing that my future is settled and that I'm definitely going to be a Dragon for a while yet is very exciting. My family and I are very happy with the decision that's been made," Lomax said.
"With 2020, I've attacked every session possible and soaked up as much information as I can when it comes to playing fullback. I realise I still have a lot to learn but it's a challenge I'm really looking forward to."
Lomax, a two-time Junior Kangaroos representative and former Australian Schoolboy and NSWRL under-18s player of the year, has already played 17 first grade games in the red V.
Dragons director of rugby league pathways and list management Ian Millward hailed Lomax's re-signing as a significant retention for the Dragons' on-field fortunes and succession planning.
"There was a lot of speculation over Zac with numerous clubs in for him and we respected the process he and his management went through," Millward said.
"One thing that hit home over the past couple of weeks was that he wanted to be a Dragon and wanted to stay at the Dragons.
"To have him recommit long term is a no-brainer. Our aim now, and Zac's, is to have him wear the red V for the rest of his career. He wants to be a one-club player.
"Zac is already the benchmark at training. With his attitude and attention-to-detail we see him as a future leader of our club. The cherry on top is he's an outstanding goal kicker so we are pleased to shore that up too."
Lomax's younger brother, Hayden, has also signed a one-year development player contract extension with the club.
The Dragons have also re-signed utility back Tristan Sailor for the 2020 NRL season.
