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
A veiled threat which was politely replied to by Jim as fark off we'll see you in court.
So do you think David Gallop is just sitting back with a massive grin on his face watching this all unfold?
He copped so much shit for the cap breach sanctions. Even those in the game knocked him, for what doing the right thing?
Gould even sprouting they need to grow the game in Victoria etc.
Even now many still claim just give them the 07' and 09' comps. Channel 9 acknowledge them.
They for too long been doing what they want and everyone should bow and say "ok it's the way it goes" until Parramatta do this.
Now they are the rich kid who has never been told no and stomping their foot not getting their way and not sure how to act about it. Acting entitled and they deserve this. Their fans are the same, never experiencing bad seasons.
LB 100% mate, he didn't bow to the pressure being applied by anyone and made some very tough, but right decisions.
Melbourne are now looking like the spoilt brats not getting their way and whinging to mummy and daddy
Cause they have been answered to for a while. Now the general NRL public are asking "how long this been the case?"
Again, the NRL treat fans as stupid, we are very smart and can read the room and know when dodginess is happening.
Vast majority know this is all rubbish.
I've enjoyed the Eels heads keeping out of the media games and sticking to their actual business (like we've done in player negotiations lately).
It's a very professional and disciplined attitude that has allowed the others to all trip (excuse the pun) over their own narrative manipulating bs.
#realeasethestormfiles #goyoumightyeels
According to Melbourne fans we are playing poorly as we are leaking information to the media to get public on our side as we are fighting a losing battle. And we are liars.
Like saying a guy goes to court for murder and a mate of his showed messages of him saying he did it, then that guy saying the mate is just doing it to make himself look good.
Dont do anything wrong and there is nothing to leak.
That's the problem LB, they don't seem to have anything on us to leak. We are in good shape for this stouch
It seems many teams have been getting away with too much for too long and Melbourne are at the top of the list! This is really disgraceful and I hope it gets sorted out correctly and quickly. I also find it so utterly ridiculous how Lomax even with supposed legal support and his management advice and support has made so many extremely strange decisions which will clearly brand his name and reputation for years as people don't easily forget
The Vlandys support of Lomax continues with a release today, commenting that the current actions are affecting Lomax's mental health. Mental health is a serious issue and should not be used as an argument to change the public discussion and position of Lomax in this case.
This is an obvious attempt by Vlandys to indirectly support both Lomax and the Storm in their attempts to play. This action is on top of the NRL, under the stewardship of Vlandys, who had already registered a contract.
I find it deplorable that the head of the game comes out and uses the narrative of mental health to sway public opinion. Instead, he should be condemning the action of Lomax's advisers and Storm for their poor advice and arrogance.
Maybe the discussion should commence about seeking the removal of Vlandys; he should be neutral in these matters.
Ultimately, and thankfully, the final decision on this matter is out of his hands, and he has to abide by the court ruling, as we Eels have to.
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