Parramatta Eels star, Zac Lomax, is known for his powerful presence on the field, but behind the athlete is a story of brotherhood, family and unwavering support. No one knows Zac better than his older brother and number 1 fan, Hayden. Their relationship goes beyond the usual sibling dynamic; it's a story of shared dreams, fierce competition and a deep bond that has shaped Zac’s journey in the NRL.
From backyard battles to the big leagues
Growing up in Temora, a small country town in New South Wales, the Lomax brothers were inseparable. Days were filled with backyard cricket, footy matches and the occasional scuffle that all brothers know too well. “Being the oldest of three brothers, there were always wrestles, fights and mischief,” Hayden recalls. “Zac was the energetic one; he was always in your face, always stirring people up.”
Despite the usual sibling rivalries, Hayden saw something special in Zac from an early age. “He was always playing up a year, taking on bigger kids and holding his own. You could tell he was going to do something big,” Hayden says. “Everyone back home knew it too.”
Zac’s love for rugby league and his passion for cricket were evident. Inspired by his favourite cricketer, Mike Hussey, young Zac even taught himself to bat left-handed. “That’s just Zac,” Hayden laughs. “If he wants something, he’ll make it happen.”
The journey to the NRL
The Lomax brothers’ talent didn’t go unnoticed. Scouts from the St. George Illawarra Dragons spotted Hayden first, and soon after, Zac was recruited too. Their move to Wollongong was a defining moment. Their mother moved with them to help them settle in, making sacrifices that Zac still appreciates today. “Mum and Dad gave up a lot for us,” Zac says. “They were on the road every weekend just to support us. That’s why I play, for them.”
Despite the transition to professional footy, Zac and Hayden’s bond never wavered. They even got the chance to play together at the under-20s level. “We won four premierships together back home,” Hayden says. “Back then, it was just normal. But looking back, it’s something we’ll always cherish.”
The driven competitor
Ask anyone who knows Zac, and they’ll tell you he’s competitive, sometimes to a fault. “He was the worst loser as a kid,” Hayden laughs. “If he lost, he’d sulk for hours. Even now, he has to go again until he wins.”
That drive, however, has helped Zac achieve his biggest milestones. “Before he played for the Blues, he told us he was going to make the Origin team. The next year, he did,” Hayden recalls. “Same with playing for Australia. He says it, and then he does it.”
But behind the relentless competitor is also the fun-loving brother who never stops moving. “If there’s a spare moment, Zac is doing something,” Hayden says. “Gym, beach, food, training, he can’t sit still. When he comes home to Temora, he lasts about four days before he’s off again.”
A Family-First Philosophy
Despite his success, Zac remains deeply connected to his roots. “I’d have my whole family live with me if I could,” he says. “Hayden likes his space, but me? I want everyone close.”
Family has always been central to Zac’s journey. His younger brother, Declan, may have taken a different path, running a coffee shop rather than playing footy, but their bond is just as strong. “Declan’s the smart one,” Zac jokes. “He gets free gear off me, steals food from Hayden, and still lives at home rent-free. He’s got it all figured out.”
Their parents continue to be their biggest supporters, attending as many games as possible. “Mum keeps everything, every jersey, every bit of gear,” Hayden says. “Dad pretends to want to throw it out, but we all know he won’t.”
The future: more footy, more family
With Hayden now coaching back in Temora, Zac remains closely involved with the local footy scene. “Whenever he’s back home, he jumps into training. The boys love it,” Hayden says. “It’s special for them to see one of their own make it.”
As for what’s next, Zac keeps setting goals and achieving them. “I visualise everything,” he says. “I set goals, I put them out there, and then I work until I tick them off.” And through every high and low, one thing remains constant: his number one fan, Hayden, will be right there watching.
“I’m not just his fan because he’s my brother,” Hayden says. “I just know whatever he sets his mind to, he’s going to make it happen. And I’ll always be proud of him for that.”
