NRL 2024: Teams Talking Points, analysis, why was Sam Walker named in reserves, Roosters, Zac Lomax switch to centres, Bulldogs backline shake-up, news, videosEels recruit Zac Lomax has a huge opportunity to prove to his new club why they’ve signed him on a four-year deal after being shifted to the centres.
And it couldn’t come at a better time for the Eels who announced they’d got their man on Tuesday, signing him on from 2025 and beyond. Despite being disgruntled after being switched to the wing, the Dragons star has been arguably their best player this season. Lomax’s new deal is among the highest centre earners in the NRL, joining players like Joey Manu, Izack Tago, Stephen Crichton and Kotoni Staggs.
Blake Taaffe was the first-choice No.1 this season, until Connor Tracey showed what he can offer there in last week’s narrow loss to the Storm. It’s a tough situation for Taaffe given Ciraldo said the Good Friday game was his best in a Dogs jumper until he was knocked out. “Sam Walker has been named in the no.22 jersey on standby, with the halves pairing of Connor Watson and Luke Keary retained,” the official announcement read at 4pm on Tuesday before being updated.
Sharks fans have been itching to see local junior Sam Stonestreet in the NRL and this weekend they’ll finally get to with the 21-year-old being named on the wing to replace the suspended Sione Katoa.