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

- Bourbon Man > Pato March 3, 2026 at 11:38am
  
  Isn't that devastating for Matterson!
  
  The Eels would only release Lomax if they "obtained benefit to their football program" and the DT are reporting that had Matterson gone to the Storm, they would have released Lomax immediately!
  
  In other words, offloading Matterson is deemed to be a benefit to the football program! Only someone as selfish as Matto would stay at a club that so obviously doesn't want a bar of him!
  - LB > Bourbon Man March 3, 2026 at 11:39am
    
    That would make no sense to offload him since we get more money just retiring him medically.
    - macybrown > LB March 3, 2026 at 11:43am
      
      Agree with you LB. If he has a case for medical retirement, which seems so, can't we just persue that now? Win/win.
- Mr 'BringBackFitzy' Analyst > Pato March 3, 2026 at 11:51am
  
  Bit hard when he's on the verge of a medical retirement.
Pato March 3, 2026 at 11:25am

Eels statement contained within foxsports article

https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2026-zac-lomax...
- macybrown > Pato March 3, 2026 at 11:32am
  
  This would seriously be one of the best bit of news we've received as parra fans imo!
  Fifteen other clubs to talk turkey with Zac and eventually there's gonna be one we give our written approval to exit to!
  ...we are not unreasonable just play honest and all will be well!
Phil Mann March 3, 2026 at 11:35am

How'd that blowtorch work out Tripp???
- macybrown > Phil Mann March 3, 2026 at 11:37am
  
  Hahaha! Blew back
  - Phil Mann > macybrown March 3, 2026 at 11:38am
    
    More like a sparkler
    - macybrown > Phil Mann March 3, 2026 at 11:39am
      
      Haha! Fizzer

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