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Zac Lomax’s move to rugby union has sparked an early battle for a New South Wales wing spot, with Campbell Graham, Mark Nawaqanitawase and Jacob Kiraz emerging as leading contenders.
The departure of Zac Lomax to rugby union has created an early selection battle for a wing spot in the New South Wales State of Origin side, with several contenders pushing their case in the opening round of the NRL season.
Lomax recently finalised his exit from the Parramatta Eels to switch codes and sign with the Western Force in Perth. The outside back will now attempt to earn a Wallabies jersey ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
His move leaves a vacant wing position for the New South Wales Blues ahead of the 2026 State of Origin series. With several months remaining before coach Laurie Daley names his squad to face Queensland, the early rounds of the NRL season are expected to shape the race.
One player to immediately emerge as a contender is Campbell Graham of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Graham missed much of the 2025 campaign through injury but returned in round one under coach Wayne Bennett, lining up on the right wing.
The outside back made an impact against the Dolphins, scoring two tries and providing strong carries out of defence in a dominant performance. Graham had previously come close to a State of Origin debut in 2023 before injury intervened. He was playing at centre at the time but has since shifted to the wing in South Sydney's star-studded backline.
If the Rabbitohs maintain their attacking form and Graham remains fit, the 25-year old could place himself firmly in contention for a Blues call-up.
He is unlikely to be alone in the race. Mark Nawaqanitawase from the Sydney Roosters is another leading candidate after an impressive 2025 season. The winger finished as the competition's leading try-scorer and later made his international debut for the Kangaroos during the Ashes series, earning selection from coach Kevin Walters.
Nawaqanitawase's aerial ability and attacking highlights have kept him in the spotlight, although he will be eager to respond after a quieter performance against the New Zealand Warriors in the opening round.
Another contender is Jacob Kiraz from the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Kiraz has hovered around Origin selection for several seasons and served as 18th man for Game 3 last year.
He began the new season strongly against the St George Illawarra Dragons, scoring a try and running for 278 metres. Known for his physical carries and offloading ability, Kiraz offers a similar style to Lomax, particularly in his willingness to take tough carries from the back.
With several rounds still to play before the Blues squad is named, the contest for Lomax's vacant jersey is only just beginning.
