The NRL is preparing to step in to resolve the Melbourne-Parramatta contract stand-off over Zac Lomax.
Lomax is eager to join the Storm after his proposed move to rebel rugby competition R360 was delayed when its start date was pushed back to 2028.
Lomax is in limbo after the Eels agreed to release him from the final three years of his contract. One of the terms of Lomax’s release was that he cannot play for a rival NRL club without their permission during that period.
The Eels have no interest in any transfer fees and are only prepared to entertain a player swap, with Storm stars Jack Howarth, Xavier Coates and Stefano Utoikamanu at the top of their wish list.
Melbourne have lost a number of players from last year’s losing grand final squad. Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona were granted early releases, while Eli Katoa will also miss the entire 2026 campaign after emergency surgery following a series of head knocks while playing a Test for Tonga. The Storm cannot afford to lose any more representative players and have knocked back the Eels’ approach.
Sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly confirmed the Storm had offered Parramatta about $200,000 in compensation.
The transfer fee was considered reasonable, according to the same sources, especially given Canterbury paid Wests Tigers $165,000 in compensation for the mid-season arrival of promising playmaker Lachie Galvin last year.
Any financial compensation will not assist the Eels in the open market. Transfer fees assist clubs with football operations, including pathways, but are not factored into the salary cap.
Sources confirmed the NRL is prepared to intervene if the Eels are not prepared to budge and entertain any “reasonable offers” by the Storm, or any rival club in the market for the 26-year-old.
Lomax is a NSW Origin representative, was a part of the initial Kangaroos Ashes squad and the NRL does not want to lose a player of his calibre if it is possible to keep him.
Neither the Eels nor Lomax want a reunion. Since losing Lomax, Parramatta have signed Brian Kelly from the Gold Coast.
The NRL was contacted for comment, while the Eels and Storm said there had been no fresh developments on Monday. Lomax’s lawyer, Ramy Qutami, also declined to comment.
Some rival clubs made it clear during a phone hook-up of CEOs last Wednesday that they wanted the NRL to back Parramatta’s hardline stance on Lomax. During that meeting Storm chief executive Justin Rodski was forced to defend the club’s pursuit of the star outside back.
Lomax, who posted a photo of himself at what appeared to be a Melbourne Renegades Big Bash game over the weekend, has been trying to remain in tip-top physical shape while awaiting an outcome.
Any deal put forward by the Storm will be longer than one season. Lomax’s ability to play several positions in the back line has appeal, and he adds depth to a squad that includes winger Will Warbrick (who struggled with concussion symptoms for most of last season) and young No.1 Sua Faalogo (who is likely to need a physical and mental rest at some stage during the campaign).
Lomax’s management confirmed on a podcast late last week that ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys was happy to welcome Lomax back to the NRL, and the threat of 10-year bans did not apply because the NSW Origin representative never signed a deal with R360.
Super Rugby clubs the Western Force and ACT Brumbies were keen to sign Lomax, only for the outside back to have a change of heart after Christmas.
Eels CEO Jim Sarantinos said last week: “As far as we’re concerned, we won’t be consenting to him signing with another club unless there’s an appropriate exchange of value.
“We have had a representative player leave our roster who now wants to join another club’s roster.”
Replies
No what's pathetic is bending over when we have the leverage in the given situation.Value is the key here we need at least equal value.If your thinking Blore and cash or an outside back of some description is some sought of deal Parra should covert good for you.
I can see you being the runt of the litter whose last to the feeding bowl.How does Blore fix our problems exactly 😂 we've got plenty of players like him.The idea you give a way a rep player for that is a absolute joke and I'm sure as hell happy Jim has echoed the same.
As for projecting I'm just confirming I agree the stance Jim has taken projection well check yourself as that losing projection your putting out there sure as hell isn't for the betterment of this team.
Do you have Blore posters on your bedroom wall Dynasty? Everyone of your posts you mention Blore, he's an average player, even you recognised that by saying we get Blore + another player or money.
He is beyond average and no I am not transfixed on him as a target because I think he is a perfect player. I am just smart enough to see what is possible and what is not possible. I am not delusional like all the people who say we should get Coates.
He already said he wants to move back to Sydney, he is gone next year. We get him a year early on a cheap salary, the Storm play Lomax in the centres and push Howarth to backrow which is his position. It's not that hard.
Ordinarily I agree with you that keeping things conservative is the way to go. Tread cautiously.
But this situation is exceptional, like it doesn't happen often that we truly have the upper hand in player negotiations. Particularly with a club like the storm. I think if ever we should aim high this it. I said it a few days ago that Munster for 2027 on a 2 year deal would be fantastic (and in the realms of reality - there's been discussions previously about him leaving). Personally I'm not all that keen on anyone else they've got.
I've mentioned Munster awhile back also counter there counter if it comes down to it give them Lomax for 26 as the sweetner for Munster 27 onwards of course there not having that and I mean that's the rub why should we take what there selling.
Its just not a great deal for a team rebuilding.
I've been fairly committed to internal development so was reluctant to offer him as an alternative. Charlie Munger once said a young man knows the rules, an old man knows the exceptions and I think Munster is an exception.
He's everything we need (the perfect addition) so long as he's willing and committed. I have no idea on the dollars we should pay him, obviously it would be significant to get this over the line. But in these circumstances I'd say it's possible. With him we would go from contender to front runner almost immediately.
Ohh one thing I wanted to add on Munster is that when you get up to marquee type money it's not just their skill set, an important criteria is the influence the player has on his teammates. Could you get a better leader than him?
No probably not the other thing is he also fills a huge need and fits the Moses timeline also.
It would be a dream but if we are shooting for the stars why not investigate the potential of it.
A fair player swap would be ideal, but they don’t always eventuate. Exhibit A: When the Storm refused to release JAC. A swap was talked about for years. Never happened. JAC had to accept the contractual terms until its end.
Melbourne= fight.....Eels =acquiece
I fear we will go along to get along, thereby cementing our WWE role as chumps to be kicked around.
Actually, our obsequiouness is probably for the best. We aren't fighters. We have had no practice. We just aren't up to it
Why throw grit in the NRL gears when we can just lie back and take it like champs....again?
Oh well, it only stings when the tip goes in
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