The Kayo Sports NRL Podcast · Fox Sports Australia

Kayo Sports NRL Podcast: Lomax contract situation, Crichton to Union and who wins the comp

·1 hr 1 min·4 clips

Zach Lomax wanted R360, Parramatta let him out early, and Melbourne are now sniffing for a swap.

1. The Kayo Sports NRL Podcast uses the Crichton and Lomax news to frame a season-preview discussion for the NRL. 2. Braith Anasta and Dan host the episode, and Braith's own rugby union background matters because he compares his path with Angus Crichton's and Zach Lomax's. 3. The episode asks how NRL clubs should handle player movement, code switches, and 2025 premiership contenders. 4. Angus Crichton's reported Rugby Australia move is linked to a 2027 World Cup and to his Scots College rugby union background. 5. The hosts say Crichton has been one of the great Roosters comebacks after a difficult period and a strong 2024 season. 6. Cam Murray is mentioned as a contrast because he is signed through 2028 and is not viewed as part of the same World Cup path. 7. Braith says not every rugby league player can jump codes because rugby union has too many rules and the transition is difficult. 8. The discussion turns to Braith's own near-move to the Waratahs around 2005, when Ewan McKenzie was coaching. 9. Braith explains that union contracts in Australia could become worthwhile only if a player reached Test level, while NRL money was more secure. 10. Zach Lomax's attempted move to R360 collapses into a Parramatta dispute after the competition falls over. 11. Melbourne are said to be sniffing around Lomax, while Parramatta want one of Utoikamanu, Xavier Coates, or Howarth in return. 12. The hosts say Parramatta were right to let Lomax out early because he chose to walk away from a long-term deal. 13. Braith argues the NRL did not need to get involved because Parramatta should control whether Lomax returns. 14. They compare the situation with Sonny Bill Williams, whose NRL return was blocked for five years after his departure. 15. Braith says Melbourne would not give up Utoikamanu or Coates, leaving Howarth as the only realistic swap piece. 16. The Bulldogs preview focuses on their 16-8 record, straight-sets finals exit, and the unresolved six-and-seven puzzle. 17. Braith says Lachlan Galvin is still trying to figure out how he fits, and he points to a game where Galvin made 16 runs after other low-run matches. 18. The first month of the Bulldogs' season is described as high pressure because of Galvin, Burton, Mitch Woods, and the possibility of more reshuffling. 19. The tone is conversational, argumentative, and heavily driven by roster lists, contract examples, and on-air back-and-forth. 20. Listeners who follow NRL contracts, club lists, and 2025 preview debates will get the most from this episode, while casual fans of general sports chat may skip it.

As heard by us

Loose, opinionated NRL chat that leans into Brisbane and Bulldogs debate.

The episode opens in loose banter before settling into a direct case for Brisbane's top-three hopes, with Ezra Mam off the bench, Reece Walsh, and the depth around them all getting a look in.

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Why you'd press play

You want the real premiership chat, not a polished wrap.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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