The Temora product was officially announced as part of the side on Wednesday, but found out two days earlier on his 19^th birthday.

With just the four NRL games under his belt, the St George Illawarra is thrilled to be included in Mal Meninga’s side.

“It is a bit humbling to be named in the team,” Lomax said. 

“To go there today to see the likes of some of the people there was pretty crazy to be honest.”

Lomax and the rest of the side gathered on Wednesday for a briefing and medical ahead of going into camp next week before the game in Port Moresby on October 6.

Lomax has worn the green and gold before, but knows his role on the wing is a big step up.

“I was lucky enough to play for the Australian Schoolboys but this is a different beast," he said.

“You are playing against men now and to be in the same team as some of these other guys is really cool.

“It is a good feeling and hopefully I can take a lot out of it and a lot of experience from.”

Lomax is one of one four St George Illawarra players in the side.

He’ll line up with teammates Ben Hunt, Tyson Frizzell and Reece Robson but is really looking forward to playing with Jake Trbojevic.

“He’s such a workhorse kind of player, real tough and I obviously haven’t played with Jake yet, but he’s someone I’m really looking forward to playing with,” Lomax said.

“His work rate and effort on and off the ball is something people involved in footy really do admire.”

Lomax came back into the Dragons side for their last three games of the season.

After breaking his wrist during a boxing session at training days after making his NRL debut in round 10, he had to bide his time for another chance at the top grade.

After returning to the side for their win over Newcastle in the last round of the season, Lomax was then part of the finals win over Brisbane before crashing out in dramatic circumstances to South Sydney.

He kicked a late penalty goal to put his side back in front before two more field goals from Adam Reynolds ended the club’s premiership aspirations.

It provided a bitter end to his debut season.

“To be able to play in the finals series was unbelievable,” Lomax said.

“The crowds that were there were pretty good and the atmosphere was unbelievable, I had heaps of family there and the boys played really well. It sucks that we lost that last game.”

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