Eels win in the Supreme Court

Summary:

Zac Lomax has settled his legal dispute with the Parramatta Eels, agreeing he cannot return to the NRL without the club’s written consent before the 2028 season.

In a surprise development in the NSW Supreme Court, both parties reached a settlement that largely upholds the original terms of his release. Lomax will now be free to return to the NRL without Parramatta’s consent in 2028 instead of 2029 — but until then, he remains restricted.

This means he cannot join the Melbourne Storm unless the Eels provide written approval.

As part of the agreement, Melbourne must pay $250,000 towards Parramatta’s legal costs.

The dispute arose after Lomax was released from his $700,000-per-year contract to pursue an opportunity in the failed R360 rugby union competition. Parramatta included a clause preventing him from signing with another NRL club until November 2028 without their consent. Negotiations between Melbourne and Parramatta broke down over transfer fees and player swap proposals before the matter was resolved in court.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/zac-lomax-once-again-in-contract-limbo-after-settling-with-parramatta/news-story/28e01750be0a26c3e610008358d71d71

"Excellent Club Statement

The Parramatta Eels today provide the following update regarding Zac Lomax and proceedings involving the Melbourne Storm.
In November 2025 as part of Zac Lomax’s release from the remaining three years of his contract with…"

"See what I think alot get concerned about was the distraction Lomax Melbourne and the NRL were trying to bring into this where we just stuck to a water tight agreement and the high ground was ours.Not restraint of trade PVL saying he's trying to…"

"Yep that's what I thought too. V'landys will stop at nothing to keep Melbourne in the winning circles. The evidence we now have likely points to that. What else do we want from the NRL now that we have them by the balls?"

Replies

- - LB > MeelK March 3, 2026 at 11:00am
    
    Spot on. Many in socials didn't understand
  - Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 > MeelK March 3, 2026 at 11:07am
    
    Yep. Great point Meeiks
  - Nightmare Off-Season > MeelK March 3, 2026 at 11:33am
    
    Exactly, MeelK. 100% agree. Which could also be protection against the NRL if they plan to try and get some sort of payback.
    
    What a sensational win by the Eels this is. Stoked we didn't fold an accept financial compensation & a player not worthy of the transfer.
    
    Massive congrats to entire club for setting this precendent.
    
    Now to go down to Melbourne and embarrass them at home, as well as in the courtroom.
Anguillidae March 3, 2026 at 10:53am

It's clear that the NRL orchestrated the resolution to protect their leadership (PVL and Abdo fronting court). It's actually a little bit disappointing to be honest. I wonder what the kickback for the Storm will be?
Coryn Hughes March 3, 2026 at 10:54am

Congratulations JS MB and whomever else was involved.

We've done all the right things here we aren't the ones at fault and never have been.

This is how the decision should have panned out and unfortunately Zac you made your own bed and now you have to lie in it.

Well done to the club.

Melbourne go fark yourselves.
LB March 3, 2026 at 10:58am

What is Brent Read gonna argue today?
- iamnot > LB March 3, 2026 at 11:26am
  
  He annoyed the crap out of me the other night on NRL 360. It was like he was on the Melbourne payroll. The other three panellists were all against him, yet he didn't back down once.
  - Axel > iamnot March 3, 2026 at 12:23pm
    
    He often takes on the contrarian role. I think that's his assigned position on that show....and yes, he is annoying!
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 March 3, 2026 at 11:00am
HH - Love You Iongi Time! March 3, 2026 at 11:11am

Bring on Thursday night

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