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

"Did the storm adhere to the release agreement when they entered into a provisional contract with Lomax that was lodged with the nrl without our knowledge or consent? They're negotiating now because it's the only play they've got and external…"

"Exactly. Our leverage is at its greatest now. Storm and NRL want it to go away. If the trial goes ahead and we lose leverage gone. If we win but the term of the deed is reduced we lose leverage. And if we go to trial and embarrassing stuff about the…"

"Storm (and NRL) are desperate to keep this out of court, hence the last minute negotiations. I'm confident that the Eels Barrister is sitting on a goldmine of incriminating evidence that the Storm (and NRL) absolutely do not want coming out into the…"

Replies

Longfin Eel March 2, 2026 at 4:21pm

Melbourne have come cap in hand to Parra on the steps outside the court room, likelyknowing ehere that was heading for them, also likely due to pressure on them from the NRL, who don't want their skeletons let out of the cupboard. Parra are letting them speak, seeing what they have to offer. If it turns out to be laughable, we just smile and say see you in court. There's zero reason for Parra to cave in now.
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 March 2, 2026 at 4:22pm

Its Warbrick or blore by my calculations
- DYNASTY.LOADING > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 March 2, 2026 at 4:34pm
  
  There is chat about Lisati, Chan, Peel, and Leo all playing round 1. Could end up with both and Storm embrace a fresh start/rebuild.
  
  Theyd have almost a 80% different 19 come round 1 2027 from round 1 2025. Kind of checks out.
  - Parrafan101 > DYNASTY.LOADING March 2, 2026 at 4:53pm
    
    I said Leo Moses from the start, beast of a player.
    - Eli Stephens > Parrafan101 March 2, 2026 at 5:01pm
      
      he's a good prospect, maybe him + cap relief or something? Eels will accept anything that helps the football program and that would
    - LB > Parrafan101 March 2, 2026 at 5:46pm
      
      Leo is not that good.
- LB > Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 March 2, 2026 at 4:42pm
  
  I reckon we could have gotten either one from the start.
Joel K March 2, 2026 at 4:33pm

We could've taken Lomax back if we wanted to. I don't know why we didn't? Maybe they didn't like his attitude.

Parra could've easily made cap space to bring him back
- Anguillidae > Joel K March 2, 2026 at 4:45pm
  
  This is only a guess, but I'd say its because he's a selfish, egotistical mercenary.
- Strange-eel > Joel K March 2, 2026 at 4:48pm
  
  I think the caoch has drawn a line through his name and fair enough.