Explosive courtroom documents obtained by The Sydney Morning Herald has revealed that the Melbourne Storm asked the NRL to "apply the blow torch" to Parramatta to release Zac Lomax.
A slew of documents released in the Supreme Court revealed that during a phone call between Storm chair Matt Tripp and Eels supremo Matthew Beach on January 13, that the Eels again rejected a $200,000 release fee.
“During the telephone call, Mr Tripp referred to the possibility of punitive steps being taken by the NRL against Parramatta Eels in relation to its salary cap if Parramatta Eels did not agree to the proposal being put forward by the Melbourne Storm,” according to a document the Eels tendered to the court.
“This assertion by the Melbourne Storm was intended or had the tendency to exert pressure on the Parramatta Eels in circumstances where the NRL had never communicated such a stance to the Parramatta Eels.”
It was further revealed that an alleged text from Storm CEO Justin Rodski to NRL CEO Andrew Abdo on January 21 was used to try and have the NRL pressure the Eels into a release.
“Hi Andrew, not getting anywhere at this point, can you apply the blow torch on parramatta [sic] to get this done.
Rodski added: “Lomax staying in the NRL is obviously a win for the game.”
It's what we always suspected. The Storm trying to bully their way into a deal that would favour them. They should be expelled from the competition.
Replies
I'm starting to respect our higher ups for not folding, going up against the storms, Lomax and the NRL shows strong leadership that hasn't been seen since the 80s or Brian smith era.
Valndys has it in for us for some reason. We never had a fair draw since 2019.
And this is the sort of thing I had hoped would come out in discovery
I see why melbournes ceo had that public wings about us last week; he must have known this had been subpoenaed and he was wanting to get on the front foot with damage control
In order to provide an impartial appearance to all NRL clubs why didn't Abdo/Vlandys advise Eels of the messages from Storm? Let's start a petition, Vlandys Out. C..t
So what does exactly mean for the Storm, Lomax and Parra? Surely, these documents will favour Parra? What are the most probable consequences for the Storm and Lomax now
Don't you just love it when evidence like this is exposed. Vlandys and Abdo's images have taken a hit here. Storm have always had special consideration from the nrl courtesy of their 0wners. Whereas we, and many more clubs never did. That fact was never universally acknowleged by all fans, but we had no doubt. So now the tide is turning and the amount of support from all league fans, once they spy these revelations will carry the day, not only for us but for all the clubs left out of the loop by the nrl. So carry on counsel Moses and show the world the amount of collusion that can follow when Big Business is allowed to "control the game!"
"Give us Zac"
"Uhhh ok but we want *insert name*"
"No just give him to us, we are not giving you anything"
"Well you do not get Zac"
"How dare you, Peter, Peter help!!!!!"
But remember, to some it is a case of "Oh well that is the way it goes" How is that fair?
I think very safe to say Melbourne will not be giving a player 100% now. They will not do it in spite of us. I can see them pulling the "Oh you didn't dump us, we dumped you" Change the narrative to suit them that they didn't lose.
What would NRL360 make of this I wonder?
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