One of these 6 players will be an Eel

1 Will Warbrick $ 1.20

2. Dave Moale $ 4

3. Shawn Blore. $ 7

4. Trent Toelau. $ 500

5. Jack Hetherington $ 30

6. Tui Kamikamika $ 1000

These are the 6 Storm players off contract this year, and are most likely to be offered in exchange for Lomax. Its only a matter of now narrowing it down as to which player Parramatta are most likely to agree to.

The Storm aren't going to offer Coates or Howarth. Ill be very surprised if they do as both are committed long term - why would either want to leave.

That leaves the 6 mentioned.

Kamikamika we can eliminate. I doubt Parramatta would settle for him.

Toelau is a 6, a journeyman- forget about him.

Blore - a back rower and 25. Hes a chance but we're ok for back rowers - smokie

Moale - only signed for 1 year. A prop, a position we're looking to strengthen. Played strongly in the trials.

Hethrington - ?. He's a hothead. Won the Storm's army camp. One of the fittest players at the club

Warwick - the most likely imo. Off contract and missed most of 2025. Melbourne may be concerned with his concussion situation and may not offer him anything long- term

Warwick, Moale, Blore the 3 most likely.

Also - I don't think Bellamy would take Matterson. Matterson is one head knock from retirement and is currently being treated for related injuries.

"Eels played this superbly. They won. Hands down. Melbourne don't get their player, Lomax doesn't return to the NRL and the Storm have to pay the majority of our legal costs."

Summary:Zac Lomax has settled his legal dispute with the Parramatta Eels, agreeing he cannot return to the NRL without the club’s written consent before the 2028 season.In a surprise development in the NSW Supreme Court, both parties reached a…

Replies

Mallee57 March 3, 2026 at 8:45am

I reckon Lomax will return to Parra. Can't see any of those Storm players in Eels jersey and none of them would be an equal swap in my opinion.
- Cʜɪᴇғy Mclovin 🐐 > Mallee57 March 3, 2026 at 8:51am
  
  Impossible
- LB > Mallee57 March 3, 2026 at 9:06am
  
  Nah that bridge is well and truly burned.
  - Longfin Eel > LB March 3, 2026 at 9:28am
    
    Agreed. There is no way Ryles will want Lomax anywhere near the squad. He's finally got everyone buying in - doesn't need someone with an eye to his next contract elsweher.
The Badger March 3, 2026 at 9:14am

They sound like sloppy seconds ...
Nitram March 3, 2026 at 9:20am

I have always thought warbrick was overrated. I see him as the "typical" Melbourne player that looks great in their system, away from pressure associated with sydney/brisbane based teams, getting all the 50/50 calls, playing with representative spines year on year etc. i get the feeling away from melbourne he will be exposed, under greater pressure and fold mentally. Not a great swap at all.
TolEllts March 3, 2026 at 9:26am

Isn't Warbrick going back to playing Sevens?
Coryn Hughes March 3, 2026 at 9:26am

We were after Moale in the off season and he chose the Storm over us the irony if he were to end up with us after choosing the mentioned.