Just listening to Braith Anasta who has stated that Lomax won't be playing with Parra in 2026 and that's he's basically signed with Rugby Union. Anasta reckons he will not play NRL again and will likely move to UK to prepare for the October start of his Union deal. Hope this isn't correct but it wouldn't surprise me. Anasta is normally reasonably accurate. So Eels need a new winger for 26 onwards
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Agree. People think Simmo will replace Lomax easily. But against top teams, Simmo yardage is not very good.
Well the connection i know has gone awfully quiet about it. Saying they have not heard anything else.
Yeah Vlandys has definitely spooked them with the 10 year ban option for just talking with R360. Will have to wait and see what actually happens
Let's wait and see. Anasta has also admitted it was "speculation", based on loud noises.
NAS admitted he'd been approached, but 'like others' he was "waiting" to see how it pans out.
It's hard to know with R360. They have guaranteed funding for 3yrs apparently. But after that?
Its future could hinge on sanctioning — which has been delayed again. Like LIV Golf, it probably will struggle to get sanctioned for years.
Non-sanctioned LIV Golf is losing around $250-500m USD per annum, since its 2021-22 launch, but has been well funded by PIF (Saudis). There was also a costly legal war with the PGA for better part of a year; probably around $100-150m USD worth in total. PGA banned golfing rebels like the NRL, but now allows some to play. They came to an agreement to stop the legal wars. Common sense.
Sanctioned IPL is a different animal. It has been sanctioned since 08-09. Has had more longer-term, secure funding, and survived for almost 20 years. They also help develop some players.
A lot of R360 details, agreements and funding sources are being kept confidential, so it makes you wonder...
John Loffhagen is an interesting name. A common thread in all three: intimately involved with R360, IPL, and LIV.
Some NRL players like RTS, at the back end of his NRL career, might take the R360 money and run. But will all potential R360 recruits facing an incertain future and 10 year ban?
Then again HOE, for many 3 years guaranteed is just enough. 3 years in R360 for Lomax would be $9 million. Enough to just play some SL or if allowed in NRL for another 3-4 years for fun.
LB, I suppose. If they pay him $9-10m upfront for 3 years, sorting out his tax-free residency (in view of his 10-year NRL ban). You wouldn't want to sign a Kenny "Hamstrings" Edwards clone on that kind of deal.
The Saudis are willing to lose money hand over fist for many years to come if it means they get proper footholds into events that will draw people to their country and create other industries.
Their 2030 plan is fully focused on diversifying their income out of oil into literally anything else. They have cash to burn but know oil isn't going to keep them rich forever. If they think R360 can be a successful long term play they'll gladly lose money for 5 years as they set it up.
Captain, all the evidence points to you being spot on. Complete with all the buzzwords. "Diversification" of portfolios. Sportswashing. Disruptors, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if the opaque Saudi groups funding R360's US-UK-Consortium are tied to PIF and/or the government in some way.
Thing here is if Lomax swaps codes and succeeds the worlds his oyster he can make millions that the nrl can't get close to or match.French and Japanese rugby if successful is less wear and tear on the body and while not R360 money it wouldn't be to far behind.
Then he has the carrot of potentially representing Aussie at a RWC which Marky Mark is going to do right now..Lomax swapping codes is a great career option for him right now.Me I hope he gives them all the middle finger and at least plays out his contract with us.
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