Zac Lomax Inspires Parramatta Eels to Victory at Newcastle

Zac Lomax Inspires Parramatta Eels to Victory at Newcastle

Zac Lomax has delivered a dazzling performance in blue and gold, lifting the Parramatta Eels to a crucial 28-16 win over the Newcastle Knights at McDonald Jones Stadium. In just his first few appearances since joining the Eels, Lomax has already begun to show why he was one of the most sought-after signings in the NRL—and on Saturday night, he proved to be the difference-maker.

The Eels, under pressure to find form after an inconsistent start to the 2025 season, needed a spark. And they got one in the form of Lomax, whose individual brilliance, poise under pressure, and all-around skill gave the Eels a much-needed lift against a resilient Newcastle side.

A Game-Changing Performance

Lomax finished the game with a try, two try assists, and a perfect record with the boot, converting all four of Parramatta’s tries. But beyond the stats, it was his presence and control of the right edge that stood out. He consistently created space, beat defenders one-on-one, and linked up brilliantly with his outside men to cause chaos in Newcastle’s defensive line.

His try in the 58th minute was a moment of individual brilliance. Taking the ball from dummy-half 10 metres out, Lomax dummied to the outside, sliced between two defenders, and powered over under the posts. It was a momentum-shifting moment that gave the Eels a two-score lead and silenced a vocal Newcastle crowd.

A Seamless Transition

After several seasons with the St George Illawarra Dragons, Lomax’s mid-career move to Parramatta was seen as both a fresh start and a high-risk, high-reward gamble for the Eels. So far, it appears to be paying off handsomely. His partnership with halfback Mitchell Moses is developing rapidly, with both players showing an understanding that usually takes seasons to build.

Eels coach Brad Arthur praised Lomax after the match, saying, “Zac’s been outstanding—not just tonight, but from the moment he arrived. He’s lifted the intensity at training and brought a real competitive edge to our squad. Tonight, he showed what kind of player he is—strong, smart, and a leader when it counts.”

Newcastle Fights Hard

Despite the loss, Newcastle was far from passive. The Knights started the match brightly, with Kalyn Ponga leading their attack and creating early opportunities. A slick backline move in the 12th minute saw Greg Marzhew cross in the corner, and for much of the first half, the Knights matched the Eels blow for blow.

The home side even took a 10-6 lead into the sheds at halftime, with their forwards dominating the ruck and the back three returning the ball with aggression. But as the game wore on, errors crept in, and Parramatta capitalised.

A dropped ball in their own half gifted the Eels field position early in the second half, which they converted into points through a smart short-side play finished by Bailey Simonsson. From there, the tide turned, and Parramatta’s composure took control.

Building Momentum

The win is a crucial one for Parramatta, who now move to 5-4 on the season and remain firmly in the mix for a top-eight finish. More importantly, they appear to be clicking as a team, with their spine performing strongly and new signings like Lomax making an immediate impact.

For Lomax, the performance also silences critics who questioned whether he could deliver at a new club with high expectations. He’s not just delivering—he’s leading.

“There’s still a lot of footy to play,” Lomax said post-match. “But I’m enjoying my role here, and I’m loving the belief this group has. We know what we’re capable of, and we’re just getting started.”

Looking Ahead

Parramatta will now turn their focus to a home clash against the high-flying Broncos, a test that will show just how far this team has come. With Lomax hitting form, Moses controlling play, and Clint Gutherson returning to his energetic best at fullback, the Eels have the ingredients to make a real run.

Newcastle, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly, especially with a short turnaround before facing the Warriors in Auckland. Despite the loss, there were positives to take—particularly in the first 40 minutes—but they’ll need more consistency and discipline to climb back into finals contention.

Final Word

Zac Lomax came to Parramatta with expectations and pressure—but if Saturday night in Newcastle is any indication, he’s not just handling it—he’s thriving. With performances like this, he may very well be the spark that reignites the Eels’ premiership ambitions in 2025.

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