Shane Flanagan says Zac Lomax is ready for a State of Origin debut after the outgoing St George Illawarra star capped one of the most significant weeks of his career with a five-star outing.
Lomax signed a four-year deal with Parramatta earlier this week before bringing up his 100th NRL game in a 30-12 win over the Warriors.
The 24-year-old kicked a two-point field goal, nudged four goals and scored a spectacular try to lead the Dragons to one the most impressive performance of Flanagan’s tenure on Friday.
It’s that kind of composure which has Flanagan believing the outgoing Dragons maverick could be of value to first-year NSW coach Michael Maguire as he looks towards the series opener on June 5.
“I think he needs to be discussed,” Flanagan said. “Let’s be fair dinkum about it, he’s just in form. In Origin you need to have players like that. He comes up with big plays in big moments. I think he’s got the temperament to play Origin. It will (take) a good winger or centre to keep him out.”
Lomax has always had the potential to play Origin level and was called into camp by former NSW coach Brad Fittler.
He would likely slot onto the wing for Maguire, if selected, although it is worth noting his stellar performance against the Warriors came in the centres.
Flanagan has preferred to use Lomax on the wing this season but a concussion to Jack Bird meant he was forced to shift into the three-quarter line.
Lomax’s position has always been a sore point and it’s believed to be one of the big motivations behind him walking away from the final two years of his Dragons contract to ink a lucrative deal with the Eels.
Asked if he Lomax would stay there ahead of Bird’s likely return for Thursday’s Anzac Day clash with the Sydney Roosters, Flanagan said: “I haven’t even thought about that to be honest, we’ll just enjoy tonight.
“He’s in good form, without a doubt, and he’s doing a good job within our footy team.”