Eels demand the NRL hand over all information relating to its involvement in the Lomax saga

As per the SMH's Adrian Proszenko

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-dragged-into-lomax-legal-stoush-against-eels-20260225-p5o5am.html

The NRL has been dragged into the Zac Lomax legal stoush after Parramatta issued an urgent subpoena to obtain documents relating to head office’s involvement in the matter.

The Eels enjoyed a mini victory ahead of next week’s hearing by ensuring Melbourne chairman Matt Tripp has to testify in person, rather via video link. Now lawyers acting for the blue and golds have requested the NRL to hand over all information relating to its involvement in the Lomax saga.

Parramatta powerbrokers privately believe the NRL has sided with Melbourne in the matter.

Parties are normally given two weeks to comply with subpoena requests, but the NRL will be required to provide materials to the court by Friday. There is then expected to be legal argument on Monday as to whether they are admissible at the hearing.

In explosive documents tendered to the Supreme Court, it was revealed Storm chief executive Justin Rodski allegedly sent a text message to NRL CEO Andrew Abdo stating: “Hi Andrew, not getting anywhere at this point, can you apply the blow torch on parramatta [sic] to get this done.”

According to a document tendered to the court by the Eels: “This message was an attempt to use the NRL to place pressure on the Parramatta Eels to resolve the matter on terms acceptable to the Melbourne Storm.

“During negotiations, this communication was not disclosed by the Melbourne Storm to the Parramatta Eels. It is not known whether any other communications have occurred between the NRL and the Melbourne Storm concerning the placing of pressure or otherwise on the Parramatta Eels to accept offers made by the Melbourne Storm.”

"Actually If anything this action prohibits it , because if they did try smash Parra because of it they would just use it as a argument that the nrl was being bias"

Replies

Parralyzed February 25, 2026 at 12:58pm

I am sooo proud of our Club
Jake February 25, 2026 at 1:32pm

Hopefully this does not lead to the NRL imposing a harsh penalty on Iongi and also all our players copping max suspensions during the season.

I think atm the NRL will be treading very lightly with our club but I hope we do not cop any payback via our players
- Mallee57 > Jake February 25, 2026 at 3:00pm
  
  Hope not as that would be a very low act
- Kenny Power > Jake February 25, 2026 at 3:03pm
  
  Actually If anything this action prohibits it , because if they did try smash Parra because of it they would just use it as a argument that the nrl was being bias
Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst February 25, 2026 at 2:11pm

Do we think Abdo didn't reply to that text message? I think not. Take em down Parra!!!!
- Randy Handlinger > Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst February 25, 2026 at 2:20pm
  
  The quote "Hi Andrew, not getting anywhere at this point, can you apply the blow torch on parramatta [sic] to get this done.” had no question mark. He didn't actually need to respond. It was like a "move to stage 2" message.
  
  I hope he was dumb enough to reply "roger that"
Space Eel February 25, 2026 at 2:46pm

Hope the NRL don't get back at us by giving IONGI a long sentence.
- LB > Space Eel February 25, 2026 at 2:55pm
  
  Well they set their own precedent with giving Latrell 1 game, Smith has gotten nothing, Radley was only suspended by his own club. Mam got 10 weeks for nearly killing people.
  
  So they have no leg to stand on as people will know what they are doing. Considering Iongi has not been arrested and the substance is unknown. We all know what it is but no proof.
  
  If they are to suspend him 1 game max will go down better.
Mallee57 February 25, 2026 at 2:59pm

Let's just hope that the SC isn't in the pocket of any of the unusual suspects. I mean you would seriously think not but in this day and age anything is possible