As we all know, Zac Lomax has departed the club effectively immediately - Just 12 months into a 4 year deal. This loss cannot be understated, especially considering many of us fans were crying out for a winger of this exact mould for years prior. However, the club has the opportunity to turn this into a positive, ultimately through landing a 'big fish' such as a Keaon, and a solid winger (Murray, Garrick etc). This will also be supported by Simonsson' performance in the 2026 season and if he can at least fill the void through strong carries that would be pivotal in overshadowing the loss.
News broke this afternoon that Payne Haas was set to remain in the NRL for the time being, with that I am wondering what 'drawcards' Rugby 360 has to entice foreign fans. As of current, the only signings they seem to have are Papi & Lomax, with rumours of them also landing; Jye Gray, NAS, RTS & Angus Crichton. Along with this, there seems to be absoutely 0 rumours/potential signings from Rugby Union to the rebel code, 360. These players listed are far from drawcards, while each could be classified as NRL starters, none of them are 'Superstars' of the sport (Papi maybe a couple of years ago). If the Rebel code was able to land Payne Haas, he would no doubt bring some 'viewership', however if the news turns out to be correct I remain bazzled as to where the code will draw viewership from. In addition to this, fandom of team sport is generally built on various factors; location, family, admiration of a player, etc. I am struggling to see how this will translate to 360; teams are based globally, with no historical ties.
Overall, I think there is an incredibly high likelihood that Rugby 360 could be deemed a failure and may not even get off the ground. If this does transpire, and Zac Lomax wanted to make a return to the NRL (I am doubtful the 10 year ban will hold up) will he be obligated to play for the Parramatta Eels, if any club? Also, if the code does not get off the ground, could we see him return as soon as the annoucement is made?
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Majority of players will come from union not league and there are plenty.
I don't think so
Nah I don't think so. Seems Ryles was happy to go in another direction with his Wingers anyway.
No chance. From all reports Ryles couldnt agree to the release quick enough. Think the club is pretty pissed off he had his head turned 8 months into a 4 year deal.
I was listening today to a Peter V'Landys interview and he's was asked about the Zac Lomax issue and being granted leave etc...
He feels very sorry for Zac Lomax because the R360 isn't really a functional recognized enterprise and it may not even get off the ground.
He reckons basically Lomax has made a huge mistake and the R360 has no guarantee it will even begin let alone take off and it's a very huge job getting an accepted and recognized sporting franchise off the ground and the losers will be the players.
He said Parra have treated this ordeal very professionally but he feels very sorry for Zac Lomax and the 10 year ban is a definite thing for both players and their managers.
Not sure what to make of it.
It wouldn't surprise me if Lomax returns but it would have to be either due to a change of mind from him or he tries like Japanese Rugby and doesn't like it because If he does sign with R360 he's finished in Rugby League for good.
We haven't seen Joey Manu back, or Semi for that matter. The money is too good. The only time we see Yawnion converts back is when they are washed up and no longer wanted. RTS won the Dally M but just couldn't crack it in that code so returned to NRL.
Just depends on whether he will cut in it in Union, or like it for that matter. Personally I find Union very boring with all the stoppages and penalties.