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.
Replies
Tuivaiti and Brown are neck and neck, I dont mind who comes in but one of them will.
---
I dont think Brisbane would be on the list of clubs who havent contacted Lomax's management.
---
Piakura has improvement in him for sure but I think Ryles has proven he is capable of helping players become better defenders and better players overall.
Dont overlook the power of 'upgrades' there is literally 0% chance Karapani is on the minimum deal he signed on for this season. Players like Mariner and Karapani are exactly the kinds of guys who can demand increases to their salary, they are in the space between established superstar and good firstgrader. They are now premiership winners who could go to Perth for big money but wont want to leave IMO. I would be very surprised if Shibasaki is at the Broncos beyond this year and would be a great player to throw the bank at for Mal, as he has had a long career on very low level contracts, its his time to cash in and Lomax will cost Brisbane a fraction of whatever he will demand as Lomax is now a 300k player for 2026 and beyond that under 600k atleast given his character hit.
--
LThis is all pie in the sky though, who knows, we could be minutes away from an announcement that Lomax has signed with the AFL for all we know. But I like to try imagine scenarios that make sense for all parties whilst ofcourse benefiting Parramatta.
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.
You can throw Lorima Seuseu in that list as well.
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.
very much doubt volkman will get extended dynasty
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?
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.
Clint, I still reckon Canberra were actually interested.
They have a great young backline, I'd be surprised if Sticky tried to bring Lomax in and break that. Could be wrong though
Yeah they have backs but also how often do they get Origin talent?
-
1
-
2
-
3
-
4
-
5
of 5 Next