Lomax legal promise could create salary-cap headache for Storm

From The Sydney Morning Herald...

Melbourne’s pursuit of Zac Lomax could prove more costly than expected if the NRL deems the club’s promise to cover the exiled winger’s legal bills should be included in the Storm’s salary cap.

Parramatta began legal proceedings to prevent Lomax from joining the Storm, given his release from a four-year contract was contingent on the Eels providing written consent. The Blues winger was granted a release to join rebel rugby competition R360, but has been left in limbo after its inaugural season was put back until 2028.

Lomax’s hopes of making his Melbourne debut against former club Parramatta in the opening round have been thwarted after his court hearing was scheduled to end a day after the AAMI Park clash.

According to court documents made available last week, the Eels claim the Storm indemnified Lomax’s court expenses.

https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/lomax-legal-promise-could-create-salary-cap-headache-for-storm-20260218-p5o39m.html

"to me our top 5 juniors that we have that haven't played nrl yet is Lorenzo (20), Petrus (19), Koina (19), Seuseu (16) and Popo (20). Popo hasn't played much this year due to injury but last years form puts him on this list for me. Could argue the…"

"If it was possible to do why haven't other rubbish teams done so? It sounds simple in theory but it just isn't and what it will take to get Yeo and Cleary here would destroy our cap. Added to that Yeo is 33 next year, how long til he declines?"

Replies

- - - Michael W. > DYNASTY.LOADING February 20, 2026 at 1:44am
      
      This is how much the NRL looks after the "glamour" clubs. Shibasaki, current SOO and Australian rep, is on a miserly $140k this year. How does the NRL accept this.
      - Randy Handlinger > Michael W. February 20, 2026 at 11:10am
        
        NRL accept it right in the portal-hole
  - DYNASTY.LOADING > LB February 19, 2026 at 1:50pm
    
    Something along the lines of this I think they are looking at in the front office. Need experience in the middle, a 1-2 year starting halves option. and en edge player, ideally experienced.
    - Manuel Dortimer > DYNASTY.LOADING February 19, 2026 at 2:25pm
      
      You can throw Lorima Seuseu in that list as well.
      - EA > Manuel Dortimer February 19, 2026 at 4:06pm
        
        Lorima Seuseu has the potential to be our best outside back produced at the club in a very long time. He is like Makisini from the Tigers. I rate him more than any other centre and winger in the juniors at the eels. However he only turns 16 this year so long way to go.
    - mongolian trotting duck > DYNASTY.LOADING February 19, 2026 at 4:39pm
      
      very much doubt volkman will get extended dynasty
      - DYNASTY.LOADING > mongolian trotting duck February 19, 2026 at 4:53pm
        
        Only reason I think he remains at the club is on a minimum wage deal to have someone integrated in the culture available as an experienced head in NSW cup to help steer the team around. I agree he is not going to be a priority signing and he hasn't kicked on as expected in the NRL and most likely he won't be poached by a rival. Do you think he'd be worth keeping for that kind of situation?
- Clintorian > DYNASTY.LOADING February 19, 2026 at 1:24pm
  
  I would love Brisbane to chase this option, it would absolutely twist Lomax's nuts in a vice between finding a contract in the NRL and not losing his legal case, but also screw over Storm who are paying for his legal bills, would have to take his legals bills into their cap, and don't end up with Lomax in the team!
  
  That would be glorious if it happened, but we're not that lucky.
  - LB > Clintorian February 19, 2026 at 1:28pm
    
    Clint, I still reckon Canberra were actually interested.
    - Clintorian > LB February 19, 2026 at 4:15pm
      
      They have a great young backline, I'd be surprised if Sticky tried to bring Lomax in and break that. Could be wrong though