Eels and Storm in last minute talks before courts

Apparently the case today has been delayed due to Parramatta and Melbourne engaging in deep talks to get a deal done. Negotiations had ran overnight. What is hilarious is people on social media believe Parramatta know they will lose so are making a deal. Ummmm no this is the NRL not wanting to be involved and not wanting their stuff leaked so the heavies are on Melbourne to get something done.

The rumour at the moment is it could be a three way trade. Jesse Ramien's name has been floating around as Cronulla want cap space in order to front load contracts for next year. One rumour suggested Melbourne would get both Lomax and Ramien, therefore Melbourne would be more open to releasing a player if they get two. Now could that be for example Howarth since Ramien will be one Centre? Maybe but it seems a deal could be struck at the 11th hour.

A separate report also suggests the call from Parra for Lomax not to play Round 1 could still be on table.

https://www.espn.com.au/nrl/story/_/id/48077730/zac-lomax-negotiations-last-minute-effort-escape-parramatta-eels-contract

"Negotiations are a good thing, it's better to avoid a court imposed ruling if possible. There's nothing to suggest we aren't going to stand our ground and get what we want."

"Considering the straight bat the Eels have played so far in this saga, I'd be amazed if we wouldn't just turn around and use that as another example of how the NRL are trying to manipulate their preferred outcome in bad faith."

"Because people dont understand how court works. Plus it is also possible some in the media who do understand (or have some idea) how court works will have an agenda and frame it as if we folded to sell papers."

Replies

- Coryn Hughes > EA March 2, 2026 at 5:17pm
  
  It's a hard one this one but I think your right outside of getting one of there guns whatever player we do get it's lesser than what we are losing in Lomax.
  
  For me with us losing Russell next year I'd take Howarth it's one less spot we need to fill and it's a direct outside back replacement even though we have Brian Kelly.
- LB > EA March 2, 2026 at 5:18pm
  
  I don't think it would be Blore.
Parrafan101 March 2, 2026 at 4:48pm

I'm going on limb, I reckon they'll trade in coates. He isn't expected to be back for 8 weeks. And it'd be huge for storms to have Warbrick, Lomax, Ramien and Howarth all lined up. I also don't think r360 will go head due to Iran. That's my thought.
- Darren Munro > Parrafan101 March 2, 2026 at 4:56pm
  
  Coates or nothing for me!
- Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 > Parrafan101 March 2, 2026 at 5:33pm
  
  Thats correct cousin. Who would want to go to the middle east with all this going on.
Blue Eel March 2, 2026 at 4:57pm

Blore to Warriors

Barnett to Eels

Lomax to Storm

Works for me
- Parrafan101 > Blue Eel March 2, 2026 at 5:05pm
  
  Now that's a great deal
- Coryn Hughes > Blue Eel March 2, 2026 at 5:08pm
  
  The Warriors don't need Blore there also loaded with young back-rowers and middles.
  
  They just released Bunty Afoa also.
  - Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 > Coryn Hughes March 2, 2026 at 5:34pm
    
    31 years and doughnut Karen 🍩
- LB > Blue Eel March 2, 2026 at 5:18pm
  
  Blore wants to come back to Sydney.