Jess Sergis is set to be cleared to play for St George Illawarra in Saturday’s Holden NRL Women’s Premiership match at ANZ Stadium but her partner Zac Lomax is unsure whether he will retain his NRL berth.
Sergis was heavily concussed in last Sunday’s historic women’s match against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium but has passed the first part of a staged concussion testing process.
Lomax, who has impressed in his three NRL games, is awaiting a decision on whether he or Aitken will play opposite Rabbitohs superstar Greg Inglis in the line-up for the men's semi-final against South Sydney if the more experienced Dragons centre is fit.
"That is entirely up to Mary," Lomax said on Wednesday. "If Euan plays he showed what he can do against GI earlier in the season but I can do the job if I do get the nod."
Lomax has already played against Inglis after being given his first taste of NRL action in the 75th minute of the round 10 clash at ANZ Stadium, won 24-10 by Souths.
Inglis had been Lomax’s idol while playing junior for Temora Dragons and Thirroul Butchers but he received an unwanted welcome to first grade when the Queensland captain forced his way over for a 78th-minute try.
"It was just right at the end, there was a bit of an overlap down the edge and what I clearly remember is trying to push GI over in the corner but he ended up getting the try," Lomax said.
"He is big and powerful and I guess watching footy he is someone I looked up to, especially because I play centre and fullback so he is someone to base your game on."
Dragons coach Paul McGregor had intended for the 18-year-old to get a further taste of NRL during the Origin period but he broke his wrist sparring with teammate Steven Marsters during a boxing session at training.
After being sidelined for eight weeks, Lomax didn’t get another opportunity until Aitken tore his hamstring against Canterbury two weeks ago and he started in St George Illawarra’s round-25 defeat of Newcastle and last Sunday’s 48-18 elimination final triumph against Brisbane.
"I was thankful to be given the opportunity to go up to Suncorp and play in front of a big crowd. It was a good feeling and one I won’t forget," Lomax said. "I still don’t know whether I will play or not, but the team is going to take a lot of confidence into this weekend’s game."
With Sergis also playing in the centres for the Dragons, Lomax has been able to pass on some tips to her as she is better known for her try scoring feats on the wing for NSW and Cronulla-Caringbah Sharks.
Lomax and Sergis are believed to be the first couple to play for NRL men’s and women’s teams and he was in the unique position of being able to watch his girlfriend play before taking the field in last Sunday’s elimination final at Suncorp Stadium.
Sergis and Robinson collide
Unfortunately, Sergis was knocked out in a head clash with Broncos winger Julia Robinson and taken from the field but Lomax could visit her in the dressing room and he said she was set to play against the Warriors on Saturday.
"Jess is all good at the moment, she is at home resting up, she has got a big game coming up this week and she is looking forward to that," Lomax said.
"She is just 100 miles an hour, she just flew in and got her foot caught wrong and ended up having a head clash. It was a pretty good collision. She was knocked out cold before she hit the ground."