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
Blue Eel do you think that contract could be just thrown out if we win at court though? Is it always regarded, or does it remain legally valid between the two Lomax and Storm?
might be a silly question as I don't know about that side of stuff at all.
I'd really love to know that, coz I wondered if that is why nrl overstepped the mark of whats right on our side of case. ie storm in ugly situation.
...and most importantly if we can actually and validly shop the grub away from his co-grubby club? Coz that'd be very satisfying and we might get someone who fits with who Ryles would like 👏
Thanks for your kind comment ;)
The NRL has to register it first so it is only a preliminary contract pending registration by NRL.
So if the court rules in our favour then I reckon it will not be registered.
Ok well that is a relief! Thankyou Badger!
hope we get this win, be great to find a club that has someone willing to come to us tgat we want wouldn't that be fab ...maybe not this year but next hahs tough luck Lomax.
Surely the Australian Rugby League Commissioners being Wayne Pearce OAM, Kate Jones, Allan Sullivan , Tony McGrath, Dr Gary Weiss and Professor Megan Davis must now follow their charter and question their Chairman in Peter V'Landys. and there NRL CEO Abdo.
THISTHISTHISTHISTHIS
Pops, some realistic points.
The PR optics are disastrous, yet the wider transcript is missing. Without that we’re inferring and guessing what the NRL actually said in reply to the Storm.
Still, HQ, PLV, Abdo, the Storm heads, broadcasters and key stakeholders will be sweating on March 2nd. D-Day. If it happens. It is when more details are likely to emerge after this warning shot. Things could get nuclear.
Just playing Devils' advocate here. Hypothetically, in the best-case scenario for HQ, the response to the Storm might have been something along the lines of: “I understand your frustration, and emotionality, but we can’t intervene in that manner. While we clearly want Lomax playing and don't want him crucified as he's human and made a mistake, we have to act fairly and respect Parramatta’s position too, their registered agreement and let this play out in court."
The point is we don't actually know. Yet. We only know what the Storm said during those communications, at least in part.
Regardless of how the case pans out legally, or if a swap deal ever eventuates, we have won the majority of the battles and stood our ground, fighting the good fight.
Helluva warning shot.
Thet was not a dummy round
I see what you're saying and I generally agree. We need to tread carefully but decisively too. The real bombshell is making this known to all NRL fans. That's the win.
Nrl is corrupt plain and simple. This case will finally confirm what most fans have been thinking.
Is this a start of a revolution? Will the little man now feel empowered to dictate more fairness?
I remember someone saying the NRL will punish us by having games fixed against us, though fans will click on. We are not dumb, though they believe we are.
this could burn down NRL leadership LB and you can be sure the new guy will be loathe to fuck with us
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