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
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.
If this is the angle being taken Lomax needs to undergo the appropriate forms of assessment. If proven to be legitimate, he may not be fit to play for any club at this point in time.
Yeah Adam, and not from some NRL psychologist. Independent clinical assessment pls
I find it deplorable that the head of the game comes out and uses the narrative of mental health to sway public opinion...You only find it deplorable because because it is. Multiple levels of disgraceful glibness being thoughtlessly bandied about because Ugly Pete is on the backfoot.
More "dirty pool" from head office. Vlandys needs his cue racked for him.
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