Lomax settling into the South

Highlanders prop Tyrel Lomax looks to offload to fellow prop Aki Seiuli during training at Logan Park yesterday. Photo: Gregor Richardson
Highlanders prop Tyrel Lomax looks to offload to fellow prop Aki Seiuli during training at Logan Park yesterday. Photo: Gregor Richardson
Via Wellington, Canberra and Melbourne, big prop Tyrel Lomax is feeling right at home in the South.

Lomax - at just 22 a relative pup in propping terms - has acclimatised pretty quickly to the South and says the friendliness of the place has been a great plus in his short stay.

''I have really enjoyed it. It is a really good team environment and they have welcomed me and my partner and so far my season is going pretty well,'' Lomax said.

''A lot of players come from different areas around New Zealand so you have only really got each other. We are all good mates and hang round with each other. When it is time to work, we work and knuckle down.''

His father is former Kiwis and Canberra Raiders rugby league prop John Lomax.

Tyrel Lomax was born in Canberra but went back to live for a few years in Wellington before returning to Canberra, where his rugby education took place.

''I played league mostly, growing up. It was not until I moved to Australia and a rugby school that I really started picking it up. I loved it. Straight into the front row. I was a bit tall to play in the back row and too heavy to jump in the lineout.''

He impressed straight away in Canberra and was picked to play in national age grade sides and was then picked up by the Rebels last year.

He enjoyed his time with the Rebels but it was always a means to an end.

''They opened up the opportunity to come home. I always wanted to end up coming back here and playing. I knew in a few years I would want to come home. It has gone pretty well so far.

''It is different. Playing in the New Zealand conferences you are going up against other New Zealand sides and they are the best in the world.''

Lomax, who joined the Tasman union last year when crossing the Tasman, was a slow starter this season and took a while to come into his work.

But with first choice prop Siate Tokolahi felled by injury - and his season now over because of a knee injury - Lomax has got increased game time and is growing his game.

''I think my game is developing over here. My scrum has got a lot better than last year and is something I want to keep improving on.

''I guess if you play a lot more running rugby in New Zealand, the pounds have to come off a little more.''

Lomax weighed in at 127kg but wanted to shed a couple of kilograms to help him round the paddock.

He has actually played in all but two games for the Highlanders this year and is likely to start Saturday night's match at Forsyth Barr Stadium.

He still has some mates in the Rebels and will catch up with his mates after the game.

''We are going for our 13th straight win at home so we are not looking to make it easy for them ... I have got a couple of mates there but I'll catch up with them after the game, not beforehand.''

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