Zac Lomax just couldn’t help himself, could he?

And to think we were almost starting to feel some sympathy.

The former Parramatta winger finally announced on Monday he had secured a new contract, having signed a two-year deal to play rugby with the Western Force, and said via a Rugby Australia statement: “Like any player, the dream of one day representing the Wallabies on a truly international stage, and potentially competing at a Rugby World Cup, is a powerful motivation.”

Truly international stage? Those three words were certainly not lost on rugby league figures. Lots of them.

It was a cheap shot. It was nasty. Not for the first time, Lomax was poorly advised.

Now coach of the Perth Bears, Mal Meninga gave Lomax his Kangaroos debut two years ago and had plenty of time for the 26-year-old.

Zac Lomax trains with the Kangaroos in 2024.Credit: Getty Images

“So it’s disappointing to hear a comment like that,” Meninga said on Monday. “Rugby league has given Zac every opportunity in life. He’ll probably regret saying that down the track.”

Others were less complimentary.

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