Code-hopper Zac Lomax has revealed how former All Black Sonny Bill Williams was key to helping him switch from the NRL to Super Rugby Pacific.

The 26-year-old Australian joined the Western Force ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup, but had been involved in a legal battle in attempting to transfer from the Parramatta Eels to the Melbourne Storm.

The former league player is currently contracted to the Force for two years.

Lomax discussed his decision to switch from league to rugby on the Full Force Podcast, where he explained how influential Sonny Bill Williams was in helping him.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to lean on him a couple times,” Lomax said, “but I guess for me, Sonny’s just a person that I admire too, just the way that he’s gone about it, but I more or less admire Sonny from a family standpoint.

“He’s just such a good human being and that’s what I love about him, but he’s the kind of person that I’ve admired in the sense that he’s courageous and he’s backed his ability and obviously he’s backed it up time and time again.

Zac Lomax (left) has credited Sonny Bill Williams with helping him switch from the NRL to Super Rugby Pacific. Photos / Photosport

“I guess he’s just a mate that I’m fortunate enough to be able to keep in touch with here and there.”

Lomax also said his family, partner and friends helped him through the process and he wanted to give himself the best chance possible in the sport.

“It works out, it works out, if not then I’ve given it a red-hot crack.

“But I’m going to throw every ounce of me into it to be the best Zac Lomax that I can as a rugby union player.”

Williams had successful stints in league and rugby, having won two Rugby World Cups with the All Blacks and the NRL Premiership with the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2004 and in 2013 with the Sydney Roosters after six years away from the code.

The former All Black made a shock move to French side Toulon during the 2008 NRL season and later signed with the then New Zealand Rugby Union in 2010.

Lomax played his first game for the Force and scored a try in a 31-26 victory over the Crusaders.

The Australian will have to wait until May 1 for the Force’s next game against the New South Wales Waratahs, because they are on a bye for the upcoming Super Round in Christchurch.