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
Good to hear that and Im sure most nrl fans would be the same thanks. You are 100% right! Eels absolutely need to use this back up emphatically! It's not very often it happens where clubs support others at all. Cash in on it Eels!
its unbelievable that the nrl don't seem to be doing the same as clubs...they couldn't really give two hoots about fans most have had enough of the ongoing contract dramas and this will blow contract issues out of all proportion I reckon as it sets a horrid precedent.
Parramatta need to front the NRL and ask if they are in agreement with Lomax and the Storm breaking the law. The Eels need to ask Valandys to explain exactly what a contract means.
As for Lomax i think he doesn't wants to play union in case he fails. R360 might rethink his value.
I'd assume if Lomax does end up at Storm and no real player swap is done then he would be banned from playing against the eels until end of 2028 at least. The other clubs would suffer and have to face the storm with a free rep player. They have a vested interest to support Parra
That's piss weak as well.
Whilst I could care less about other clubs, the whole sorry saga stinks like a whore's undies after schoolies week.
Everyone needs to take a chill pill.
Parra will end up with a first grader and some cash.
There is no grand conspiracy, PVL/NRL want Lomax back in the league, Storm want a high level Centre to help round out their best 17. Everyone is happy, Blore wants to move back to Sydney, he is a first grader who plays on the edge which is a positional need for up, move Williams into the middle. If we can also grab a winger from the Storm system than even better.
Not a big deal, stop eating out of the media's hand.
Basically yeah, nrl goal is to work out a suitable deal between all parties
Yeah if we get Shawn Blore, guarantee Williams will end up back in the middle.
We don't need Blore, Kautoga has more upside.
So we don't need a Blore because we have 1 backrower who has shown flashes of potential?
If we get that we've been royally farked.
What we have to realise and thank fark Jim does cash and a mid tier talent isn't a good trade for us.What does Blore and cash do for a club that struggles to attract top tier talent.
Talent is the key for us we give a way SoO and international for ash that's useless to us and mid tier if we do that we are farked royally.
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