Shute Shield clubs line up for Zac Lomax, Anthony Griffin’s touching father-son moment.

Zac Lomax has played just seven professional rugby matches since his code switch – but clubs are already circling the former Origin star.

Discreet inquiries have begun in Shute Shield circles to ascertain whether code jumper Zac Lomax could become available during the second half of the season.

The former Origin star’s rugby education has come to a temporary halt after his Western Force side finished their Super Rugby campaign with a win over the Waratahs at the weekend.

Lomax may be named in the Wallabies squad at the end of the month but the immediate concern is finding him enough game time to build on the seven professional matches he’s played since switching from the NRL.

“We’ve got a plan around him. First and foremost are a couple of things to help him with his body to bullet proof him a little bit,” Western Force coach Simon Cron said.

“He’s a big, strong man so he’ll get a program to work on.

“And depending on what happens with the Wallabies, we’ll adjust his rugby (accordingly).

“We’ll find rugby for him.”

The Shute Shield looms as a potential landing pad should Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt decide Lomax would be better served playing games instead of holding tackle pads at training.

This column spoke to a number of club coaches who are more than keen to accommodate Lomax should he be available, even if it’s only on a short-term basis.

One told us: “Who wouldn’t want Zac Lomax in their side? He needs more rugby under his belt and the Shute Shield provides the sort of competition he’d be after.

“It would be great exposure for the comp as well.

“Let’s hope it happens.”

Lomax’s manager Clinton Schifcofske was contacted for comment but did not respond.

GUS GUESSING OVER

Our recent piece speculating about which Shute Shield club Angus Crichton will align with next year certainly got a few tongues wagging.

It even caught the attention of the star backrower’s manager David Rawlings, who confirmed what most of us were thinking.

“We have given very little thought to that presently, but as you suggested Easts seems the most logical choice,” he said.

“We will look to explore that later down the track.”

Crichton has plenty of mates at the Beasts and is active on their social media channels as well attending the odd game at Woollahra.

Fellow Rooster Mark Nawaqanitawase will also need to find a club when he returns to rugby in 2027 but there’s little speculation about where he will end up.

The dual international debuted for Eastwood in 2019 and is expected to hook up with the Woodies again.

The big names rarely turn out in the Shute but any association with a Wallaby is invaluable for a club’s profile and luring sponsors.

FORMER WALLABY SPEAKS TO UNI AFTER UPSET OF THE SEASON

Sydney University pulled off the upset of the season against Eastern Suburbs on Saturday afternoon.

After leading 19-5 at the break, it looked as though the Beasties would claw their way back into it, scoring first after halftime.

But that was as close as the all-conquering Easts got, as Uni powered away to a commanding 33-10 victory.

Jack Regan, Tevita Ahokovi, Tom Curtis and Nathaniel Panozzo were all immense for Uni, with celebrations getting underway on the field.

A rousing version of the victory song ‘Our Varsity’ rang out through the change rooms, before coach John Manenti gave a passionate speech to his victorious players.

Former Wallaby Damien Frawley said a few words to the team as well, while two debutants – Isaac Fonua and Harry Davis – were celebrated.

Then the beers began to flow.

THE SECRET TO UNI’S UPSET WIN?

It sounds counterintuitive, but an injection of Super Rugby talent into club rugby doesn’t always spell Shute Shield success on a Saturday afternoon.

Yes, Uni has a few rep players to call on, but coach John Mananeti says other factors are just as vital.

“Continuity is important – our squad only had a couple of changes – where some weeks I’ve had seven or eight,” Manenti told this column. “People say there are Super players, and whatever, but a lot of these players haven’t played Super Rugby.

“They’re in and around the squad, but then they haven’t played that much club footy.

“You get them on Thursday night and it’s only a minimal session, so it is difficult.

“Hopefully now we have some continuity of players now that Super is finished.”

HOOKED ON THE OLD MAN

There was a lovely father and son moment as Eastwood coach Anthony Griffin and son Angus celebrated the upset win over Warringah at TG Millner on Saturday.

The pair enjoyed a post-match embrace after the Woodies held off the Rats to record a vital three-point victory.

The win over the premiers was the biggest in the pair’s short Shute Shield history, with “Hook” just eight games into his rugby coaching career and emerging forward Angus in his first full season in 1s.

“He’s still learning the game and asking heaps of questions, but building culture and leadership is his big thing and the club’s thriving off it,” 22-year-old Angus said of his father.

“Dad’s greatest strength is bringing people and sides together and the boys are buying in better than I’ve ever seen.

“It’s nice to be able to do this with him but it’s really the whole club which is benefiting.”

“Hook” Griffin is the man who gave Nathan Cleary his start at NRL level and later made way for the superstar halfback’s father Ivan to take over as Panthers coach.

The irony of now being part of a father-son/coach-player combination is not lost on him.

Griffin senior said: “It’s a bit unusual I guess but we just treat it as coach and player. We don’t talk a lot of footy between each other when we’re at home but we just make it work.

“He’s a good boy and he’s doing well. I’m really happy for him and the entire team.”

CLASSY FELIX FIRES

There was another emotional family moment unfolding a few kilometres to the east of TG on Saturday, with the son of ex-Wallaby Morgan Turinui making his first grade debut for Randwick at Coogee Oval.

After just one game in the lower grades, Felix Turinui was promoted to the senior side at fullback and showed he more than belonged during the Wicks’ 35-19 win over West Harbour.

After being presented with his No.15 jersey by family friend and former Wallaby and Randwick half Chris Whitaker, Felix scored a try and banged over five conversions for a personal tally of 15 points.

Proud dad Morgan, a current Randwick board member and former player and coach, was among the first to congratulate him on his outstanding start.

“I had to explain to a few people why he was jumping from that grade (thirds) to firsts but there was no argument when they saw the outcome,” Wicks coach Shaun Berne said.

“To kick five goals, most of them from wide out, in front of that crowd in your first game shows his superpowers with the boot. He was also very good in other aspects of the game.

“He’s a definite 10 (fly-half) of the future but for now fullback’s his best spot. Plenty of good players have gone down that road, including Stephen Larkham.

“We just think it’s a bit of a softer landing for him as he gets used to first grade, plus we’ve got a really good 10 in James Hendren.”

Felix, 21, was one of three debutants used by Berne, with prop Dean Begetis and reserve forward Ben White also receiving their first taste of Shute Shield action.

PIRATES BACK BEN

The club may have only won one game and sit bottom of the Shute Shield table, but the West Harbour board has put its faith in coach Ben Rutherford by extending his contract until the end of next year.

Despite the lack of results, the Pirates hierarchy has seen enough in Rutherford to back him for a further 12 months in a great show of patience and confidence.

“Ben is very much a core part of our plans moving forward,” Wests’ Director of Rugby, Tom Games, said.

“His work ethic, experience and ability to lift those around him make him exactly the type of coach we want to build around as we continue to grow and develop as a squad.

“Having him locked in for next year gives us tremendous confidence and stability as we look to push on and turn those promising performances into the results we know we’re capable of.

“It’s a fantastic outcome for everyone at the club and we’re excited about what lies ahead.”

Rutherford said: “I’m appreciative of the club’s faith in me and am excited about the future.

“There are no shortcuts to success – sugar hits hide the real story. Hard work and honesty are critical and I’m a big believer in leaving things better than you found them, so I want to build sustainable success.”

While the Pirates are 1-7 after eight rounds, they have been highly competitive in just about every game.

Rutherford’s extension comes in a week where the club and former coach Phil Blake head to the NSW Supreme Court.

The ex-league star is suing the Pirates, alleging breach of contract after he was axed halfway through the 2025 season.

NOT QUITE MASTER AND APPRENTICE

Uni coach John Manenti was quick to shut down talk about his side’s win over his protege Ben Batger’s Easts.

Rather than being a case of the master schooling the apprentice, Manenti said he watches “Batg’s” progress as a coach with pride.

The pair first teamed up as coach and player for a few golden years at Eastwood, with Batger’s set-piece coach Jed Gillespie also in that successful side.

Manenti then gave Batger his start as a coach, and they’ve since moved on to different clubs.

The veteran had nothing but praise for Batger on Saturday.

“We’re good mates, and Batg and Jed Gillespie have done terrifically well,” Manenti said. “It’s hard not to be a little bit proud of the success he’s had.

“I had him as a player, and started him off in the coaching world.

“I don’t feel it’s one-up on him - all I’ve done is put a bit more fuel in the belly so he gets us next time!”

VALE PHIL MOORE

Eastwood rugby farewelled much loved former Colts lower grade coach Phil Moore last week.

Moore sadly passed away at his home in Newcastle.

The tributes have poured in since his passing, with many remembering Moore as a true Woods man through and through, who loved a beer and a yarn.

His crowning coaching achievement arguably came on Grand Final day 2013, when his third grade side scored a nailbiting 23-22 win over Uni.

On a day when Sydney Uni ran riot over Eastwood, beating the Woods in Shute Shield, second grade and fourth grade, Moore’s was the solitary win for the men in blue and white.

It’s fitting that Eastwood scored a similarly exhilarating win over table-topping Warringah on the weekend.

SHUTE SHIELD SECRETS

Rumour #1: Who’s the well-known Shute Shield figure managing a five-star Airbnb available to like-minded couples looking to spice up their relationship?

Rumour #2: Who’s the in-form winger so fastidious about his appearance he irons his undies before going out? Hint: He’s among the competition’s leading point-scorers.

Rumour #3: Which Shute Shield skipper was insisting on calling lineout throws in Gaelic in a bid to fool rivals? Unfortunately, it also confused teammates. English is now the preferred language and the lineout is humming as a result.

Spotted: There were a few familiar rugby faces at Uni Oval, including Fairfax scribe Peter FitzSimons and the legendary voice of rugby Gordon Bray.

Spotted: Gun rugby journo Nathan Williamson making his broadcasting debut with sideline commentary and on air interviews at TG Milner as Eastwood upset Warringah.

Clubs line up for Lomax after NRL star’s stunning rugby transition