The Parramatta recruit has not played since the Eels defeated the Dragons thanks to his field goal.

Parramatta and the NSW Blues could be set for a major boost with Zac Lomax pictured training and seemingly in line for a return ahead of schedule after fracturing his foot. Lomax was a major reason why the Eels recorded their first win of the year having kicked the winning field-goal against the Dragons in round five.

Unfortunately before that epic moment Lomax suffered a minor fracture to his foot, which saw him lying on the ground in agony. The Eels star was able to pick himself up and kick the winning field-goal in golden point.

Although the injury was set to sideline the new Eels recruit for six weeks. It was even suggested it could extend to 10 weeks depending on the recovery. This had many ruling Lomax out for State of Origin with new NSW coach Laurie Daley facing a selection dilemma.

Although footage from Eels headquarters has delighted fans with Lomax being put through training as he steps up his recovery in a bid to make an early comeback. While he was scheduled to make a comeback in round 12, it appears Lomax could be back within the next fortnight.

The week Lomax was ruled out for a number of rounds, coach Jason Ryles named the new recruit on the wing for the first time in Eels colours. Lomax had left the Dragons last year and was keen to play centre at his new club.

Although the star back’s talent was not being fulfilled at centre for Parramatta in the opening rounds of the season. Fans will have to wait and find out if Lomax is named on the wing for his return game, which could come earlier than expected.

The news of Lomax’s recovery is enormous for both club and state. The Eels have welcomed back a number of stars in recent weeks, including Mitchell Moses and Josh Addo-Carr, and managed to get their second win of the season over the Wests Tigers at CommBank last week.

A bye helped them rest and they will be fresh to take on the Cronulla Sharks who are coming off a five-day turnaround. And while Eels fans will welcome back Lomax with open arms, so to will NSW fans.

Laurie Daley facing backline dilemma for State of Origin

Daley was facing a backline dilemma if Lomax was going to be ruled out for Origin with other incumbent winger Brian To’o also struggling with a hamstring injury. The Panthers winger has only played three games this year and while he was in line for a return in Magic Round, To’o will remain on the sideline.

A number of names have been tossed around due to the injuries with Bulldogs winger Jacob Kiraz thrown out as a potential. Former NSW captain James Tedesco was even suggested as a potential inclusion due to his stellar form for the Roosters.

But Lomax’s return is massive for Daley with the Eels star a handful for Queensland in last year’s series. The winger scored three tries in three games and was a handful in the air for the Maroons. Last month, new Blues coach Daley had spoken about shifting Lomax back to the wing at Origin level with the state having a plethora of talent in the backs.

“I see Zac as a winger, not a centre at this level,” Daley said. “If Zac is in the team, it’ll be on the wing, it won’t be in the centres. I think there are going to be some high-quality players miss out if they’re all fit. If they’re all fit for selection, then there’s going to be a tough decision.”