Shane Flanagan has swiftly moved to shut down rumours surrounding Zac Lomax, denying any potential move away from the Dragons for the star centre.
After a stellar start to his NRL career, the 23-year-old has struggled this season and was even dropped to NSW Cup at one stage, but has since returned to the struggling outfit.
Despite being signed long-term at St George Illawarra, The Daily Telegraph is reporting Lomax has been given permission to negotiate with rival clubs and could be headed for an early exit.
Incoming head coach Flanagan broke his silence on the report during 2GB Radio coverage on Saturday night, shutting down the potential move and likening to the recent Ben Hunt contract saga.
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“I do mean business and I want all my players to want to be at the club," he said.
"Zac Lomax is exactly the same as Ben Hunt, he won’t be leaving the club any time soon. Everyone’s frustrated, we’re not winning footy games.
"I’ve spoken to Zac and I want to work with him, I want to improve him and he needs to play better underneath me and that’s my job.
"I will probably leave it at that… we won’t be contributing in letting any players go."
Is Zac Lomax leaving the Dragons?
At this stage, Flanagan has indicated Lomax will be remaining at the Red V next year.
The Temora product is signed until the end of 2026 on a big-money deal and has played 87 games for the club since making his debut five years ago.
Zac Lomax salary
According to The Daily Telegraph's Rich 100 list published recently, Lomax is on an estimated $700,000 per year at the Dragons in 2023.
Lomax's deal will likely increase in the coming years, with The Sporting News understanding the former Australian Schoolboys standout could earn up to $800,000 later in his deal.
