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

"The Eel has awoken! I feel this is the start of a very different culture at Parra, one of confidence, excellence and integrity. Backed by a strong fan base, sound financials and a growing pool of sponsors, we can take the next few years to set up…"

"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…"

Replies

SuperEel 22 March 3, 2026 at 10:44am

Eels played this superbly. They won. Hands down. Melbourne don't get their player, Lomax doesn't return to the NRL and the Storm have to pay the majority of our legal costs.
- Muttman > SuperEel 22 March 3, 2026 at 10:46am
  
  Hopefully the subpoaened evidence we now have will prevent any retribution from the NRL. We all know they wanted Zac in Melbourne.
  - MeelK > Muttman March 3, 2026 at 10:57am
    
    There must be something big and juicy in there for this to be the outcome.
    - Nitram > MeelK March 3, 2026 at 11:13am
      
      It is the ONLY explanation.
    - Gucci > MeelK March 3, 2026 at 11:28am
      
      100%. Settled and paid Parramatta because of this. But I still think a swap deal is being worked out, they just couldnt get the whole deal done in time. Both the Storm and NRL did not want this to play out in court, it will go back to behind closed doors.
Axel March 3, 2026 at 10:49am

This is basically a FU to VLandy's & Abdo for their support to the Storm. I've no doubt the NRL had a hand in this settlement and wouldn't be surprised if they pay the $250k.
Handing over records showing they favoured one club over another wouldn't have been a good look for the administartors of the game.

Let's see how they handle the narrative moving forward.
- The Badger > Axel March 3, 2026 at 10:54am
  
  This makes me very happy.
- Longfin Eel > Axel March 3, 2026 at 12:27pm
  
  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?
  - CarloEEL2 > Longfin Eel March 3, 2026 at 12:53pm
    
    A premiership would be nice 🤔😆or at the very least a level playing field with the other clubs of our size 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤨
Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 March 3, 2026 at 10:53am

I still think a swap deal will be done. There has to be something behind this with the this situation being resolved before it began.

of 7

This reply was deleted.

Eels Blogs