In a bold statement that stirs the waters of Australian rugby, Wallabies and Reds scrum-half Tate McDermott has expressed his views on the ongoing pursuit of rugby league stars by Rugby Australia. He emphasized the importance of not overlooking the talent that already exists within the rugby union framework, particularly while they are chasing high-profile players like Zac Lomax.
Lomax, a prominent figure in the rugby league world, recently departed from a three-year contract with the NRL’s Parramatta Eels, raising eyebrows as he was rumored to be considering a switch to the controversial rebel league, R360. However, the future of R360’s ambitious plans to launch a global rugby series has been delayed until 2028, leading to uncertainty for the 26-year-old Lomax.
Recognized as a highly esteemed player in rugby league, Lomax boasts an impressive resume that includes representing Australia in international tests and playing for the New South Wales Blues during the State of Origin series. Speculation surrounds his potential move to rugby union clubs in Japan or France, as well as connections to Australian Super Rugby franchises like the Brumbies and Western Force. There’s even talk of him possibly returning to the NRL with the Melbourne Storm.
Despite the buzz, McDermott doesn’t prioritize the idea of recruiting Lomax or any other rugby league players into the union. During a recent training camp for the Wallabies in Sydney, he candidly stated, "With all due respect, I don’t really care. I think we’ve got bigger fish to fry, to be honest. While players of Lomax’s caliber would certainly spark discussions, we have an abundance of talent right here at home. Just look at Max Jorgensen; his growth over the past year has been remarkable.
The competition for wing positions is incredibly fierce. Zac is undoubtedly a skilled player from league, but I’m not very familiar with his game."
Currently, McDermott is on the road to recovery after suffering a hamstring injury that kept him out of the Wallabies’ end-of-year tour to Europe. As he works diligently to regain his fitness for the Reds’ Super Rugby Pacific opener against their rivals, the Waratahs, set for February 13, he remains optimistic about his recovery.
"I don’t have a specific return date yet, but I’m pleased with my progress," he shared. "Injuries like this can take anywhere from four to six months, so once I’m back running—hopefully by the end of this month—I’ll have a clearer timeline. For now, everything is looking positive. I’ve been pushing myself hard in the pool, which has been a good alternative since I can’t run.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to avoid serious injuries, so this is my first significant time away from the field. However, it offers me a valuable opportunity to recharge, ensuring I’m fully prepared when I return."
Would you agree with McDermott’s perspective on focusing on homegrown talent? Or do you think pursuing stars like Lomax is crucial for the future of rugby union in Australia? Join the conversation and share your thoughts!
