Super Rugby Pacific: Western Force recruit Zac Lomax learning on the fly as Dylan Pietsch return nears

Western Force utility back Max Burey says his former childhood running mate Zac Lomax has thrown himself into his cross-code education as the former rugby league star nears a union debut.

And the Force are set for a further boost to their outside backs department as Wallabies winger Dylan Pietsch closes in on a return ahead of their clash with Queensland Reds on Saturday.

With a season-defining two-game road swing starting this weekend against Queensland, former NSW Blues winger Lomax is a chance to make his debut in the 15-aside game.

The ex-Parramatta Eels and St. George Illawarra star grew up in Temora, approximately 85km north of Burey’s home of Wagga Wagga in regional NSW, and the pair crossed paths plenty.

The pair played league both with and against each other as teenagers and Burey said he had been impressed by Lomax’s quick adaptation to the 15-aside game.

“Since he’s come in, he’s been really good at diving into it. He spent a lot of work with Carlo Tizzano working on the breakdown, which certainly is not fun,” he said.

“He’s certainly ripped into that part around the training field and he’s just being himself as well.

“When he gets to go on the field, he’ll be able to add a lot to the team.

“I’m sure it helps to see a familiar face, but all the boys have been pretty good at helping him out where they can in little groups. I know he’s worked with Bealo (Kurtley Beale) as well, a great guy to lean on with experience.”

Lomax spent Saturday’s loss to the Chiefs in the coaching box, observing coach Simon Cron and his team at work.

While over in Queensland, Reds hooker Matt Faessler said he was sure Lomax would be ready for a hostile Suncorp Stadium if he plays, there is a good chance the league convert is not the only outside back the hosts will have to worry about.

With Darby Lancaster already in good form, the Force appear likely to also welcome back Test winger Pietsch from a nagging foot injury.

“We’ve got Pietschy coming back as well, so there’s two guys in the outside backs which certainly adds a lot of depth and competition and makes us better,” full-back Burey said.

“(Tuesday) was probably one of the best training sessions we’ve had, both sides and it’s because of that depth.

“Pietschy has got a lot of energy around the group and he brings a real x-factor with his speed and power on the edge.”

Despite five losses from their opening six games, Burey said it would not be time to hit the panic button, even if they fell to the Reds.

“I don’t think we need to win this weekend to keep hope alive, but obviously that’s our focus, and that’s what we’re looking to do,” he said.

“There’s eight games to go. Our focus is we want to win every game. We still think we’re a chance, and still believe in each other and the group and the system we’ve got here and we were pretty close on the weekend.”