That talk may have been somewhat premature last season but this year Lomax has displayed his wares - and there is plenty to admire.
That is what makes his departure more disappointing for the Highlanders.
The Hurricanes announced yesterday they have signed Lomax (23) to a four-year deal from next season.
The departures of the likes of Ben Smith and Waisake Naholo from the Highlanders after this season were expected and something to not get too disappointed about.
But the exodus of Lomax, which was tipped last month, and Jackson Hemopo came out of the blue and will hurt the Highlanders into the future.
Tighthead props of good quality do not grow on trees and Lomax's move to Wellington is a big blow to the Highlanders. Hemopo is heading to Japan.
Lomax, who played for the All Blacks against Japan last year, has links to Wellington, and his partner also has better job prospects in the capital.
Lomax wanted to be close to family so has made the move to Wellington. The Hurricanes have been actively chasing him.
The big prop has missed just one game for the Highlanders this season - an enforced rest against the Rebels in early March.
Meanwhile, Otago prop Hisa Sasagi finally made his Super Rugby debut last Saturday night.
Sasagi came on as a second-half substitute for the Blues in their close loss to the Hurricanes in Wellington.
Sasagi was a member of the Hurricanes squad in 2016 but did not take the field. He was called into the Blues squad as injury cover a couple of weeks ago.