‘That's not even in my thought process': Jason Ryles in no mood to rush Zac Lomax back as Eels take priority over the Blues
Parramatta coach Jason Ryles says star outside back Zac Lomax is on track to return next week and that the club has had to hold him back at training to ensure he doesn't rush his rehab in a bid to stake his claim for an Origin spot.
Lomax sustained a minor fracture to his foot during an epic win over his former side where he nailed a field goal in golden point to sink the Dragons.
There were hopes he'd be back for Thursday's game against the Dolphins, but instead he's set to return for Parramatta's game in Newcastle next Friday.
Lomax trained well last week which sparked suggestions he could make an early return, but Ryles said the club had taken a more cautious approach as it did with halfback Mitchell Moses who has also battled a foot issue this year.
'He's really good. We're probably having to hold him back a little bit,' the rookie coach said.
'He's aiming for next week, but we'll just have to wait and see. We'll see how he goes from day to day.
'He was a bit like Mitchell when he had his foot injury. It's making sure that they don't go too quickly in their rehab process.
'We have to make sure they tick all the boxes along the way before they get back to training with us.'
Next week's game will be the only one Lomax plays before the Blues squad for the State of Origin opener is announced, with the workhorse winger in the mix to keep his spot after an excellent debut campaign in 2024.
Lomax's lack of game time could hurt, with Jacob Kiraz and Tom Trbojevic also fighting for the right wing spot.
Rushing his star recruit back early just to enhance his Origin credentials never crossed Ryles' mind, with the former NSW enforcer backing his players to be picked if they perform well for the club.
'That's not even in my thought process,' he said.
'In my thought process is how we play every week here. Having experienced it myself, if you get your footy right here, then Origin looks after itself.
'First and foremost, we'll get our footy right. If whoever does happen to get selected, then that's a bonus.'
The Eels have recovered from a horror start to the season, with Moses' return fixing their attack and making everyone around him play better.
Moses is likely to be picked in the halves for game one given what he did last year, but Ryles didn't want to buy into what number the rep star would have on his back.
'If I was picking the Parramatta team, he'd be my seven,' he said.
'I think there's enough pressure and commentary on the Origin stuff. I've been in it as a player and have watched on from the outside.
'We're aware of the influence Mitch has on our footy team.'
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