Eels centre Bailey Simonsson says he’s going to do everything in his power to cement a spot in the centres and earn a contract extension as rumours continue to swirl that Parramatta is in the market to sign Dragons star Zac Lomax on a deal that could see him switch clubs immediately.
The Red V have reportedly knocked back Lomax’s request to negotiate with other clubs, with Parramatta reportedly keen to lure the exciting back out west where he would likely play in the centres.
Lomax isn’t thrilled with his move to the wing but excelled in the round one win over the Titans, but it’s unlikely he’ll be heading to Parramatta any time soon which should be good news for Simonsson who is off contract at the end of the year.
Simonsson is currently filling in for the suspended Maika Sivo on the left wing but performed well at left centre last year, scoring eight tries in seven matches during State of Origin.
https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/434905868f72a026c6f8ca3e69c3f9ed?width=150 150w, https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/434905868f72a026c6f8ca3e69c3f9ed?width=320 320w, https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/434905868f72a026c6f8ca3e69c3f9ed?width=650 650w, https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/434905868f72a026c6f8ca3e69c3f9ed?width=1024 1024w" alt="Zac Lomax had a huge game for the Dragons playing on the wing last week. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images" width="1280" height="720" />“I only just heard, so I don’t know too much about it,” he replied when asked about the Lomax rumour.
“That’s footy. People change rosters and clubs go in a different direction. Until someone speaks to me, we can take it from there. He’s obviously a great player but it’s out of my control.
“I’d love to (lock down the spot and make it mine). At the moment I’m doing a job on the wing, but if I get moved back to centre then I’ll do my best there.
“Hopefully I can secure a spot. All you can do is your best, and the rest is in the club’s control with people higher up than me. No point stressing out over things you can’t control.”
Simonsson has played both roles but declared on Tuesday that centre is his preferred position and somewhere he wants to play for Parramatta for many years to come.
https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/530a3167da70fa786c1e1ec397615348?width=150 150w, https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/530a3167da70fa786c1e1ec397615348?width=320 320w, https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/530a3167da70fa786c1e1ec397615348?width=650 650w, https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/530a3167da70fa786c1e1ec397615348?width=1024 1024w" alt="Bailey Simonsson (left) could be squeezed out if Lomax joins the Eels. Picture: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images" width="1280" height="720" />“I’m off contract. I love being at Parra. I’ve enjoyed my time here so I’d like to stay here. Those things aren’t always in your control so we’ve got to see what happens,” he said.
“Every year you’re trying to play your best, but when you’re off contract, it’s always a bit of a challenging time so you try to play good footy to secure your future. Nothing really changes. I’ll just keep doing my best every week, and that’s all you can do.”
Star Parramatta halfback Mitch Moses has also declared himself a certain starter for Friday’s grudge match against Penrith.
The Panthers have won three-straight titles but the Eels have been their kryptonite, with the blue and golds winning the past four regular season meetings, including a round four classic last year when Moses kicked the winning field goal.
Moses was in some doubt for Friday’s derby after he hurt his groin early on during the win over Canterbury, but the playmaker was able to finish off the game.
“It’s just been tight. It’s okay, it’ll be fine. It was just with the kick for touch. It kind of pulled on me a bit. It’ll be fine,” he said.
“It got better as the game went on. It’s fine.
“I didn’t want to leave my teammates out there. We didn’t really have a half on the bench.”
Replies
I would I actually keep Simmonson (he has had a decent 12 months and always gives 100%)and let Sivo go. Sivo looks like he is on the decline and if he doesn't lift his game, I'd pack his bags tbh..
Totally agree Frank
If you are going to let Sivo go, we need to replace him with a quality winger.
Lomax is a high quality centre where as Simonsson is an average centre and a complete bum on the wing.
Sivo was great when he had quality centres like Jennings and Opacic next to him but his form has fallen off a cliff since Simonsson has been at centre.
Put Lomax at centre and watch Sivo get back to his damaging best.
Are you saying a swap between Sivo and Lomax?!?
Just read another story about Oates being on the outer at Brisbane, I'd personally prefer him to Lomax. No he's not the flashiest winger, but he seems to knuckle down and do a job when asked. I don't think he's being sidelined at the bronco's through any personal form slump, he's just not the type of flashy player that the bronco's are looking to have across most of their team. At the right price I think he'd do a solid job for parra.
So does he replace Russell?
I would go for a Centre, Russell is fine. Oates made his bed though, had a chance to go to Newcastle and i believe we were keen too and stupidly stayed with Brisbane on a one year deal. That's on him.
Yep - totally agree LB
He knew there's a bunch of youngsters coming through the Broncos and would compete for his spot, yet he still signed for another year extension.
Lomax over Oates every day of the week.
Oates is well past his best and signing him would be a big step backwards.