The Parramatta Eels have today commenced legal proceedings against Zac Lomax. The purpose of the proceedings is to enforce the release agreed in November 2025.
We have endeavoured to resolve this by negotiations. This has included a formal independent mediation process with Zac Lomax and his legal team and representatives of the Melbourne Storm. However, no deal has been reached. Zac’s legal team have informed us in writing that he does not agree that the terms of the release can be enforced against him. Regrettably, we have been left with no alternative, but to approach the NSW Supreme Court to resolve this issue.
In late July / early August, Zac requested a release from his playing contract with the Parramatta Eels to pursue opportunities outside the NRL. After a period of negotiation with Zac and his lawyers, the Parramatta Eels agreed to the terms of a release for Zac to pursue opportunities outside of the NRL. As part of the release granted on 16 November 2025, the Parramatta Eels included conditions to safeguard the Club.
One of those conditions was that Zac could not join another NRL Club before 31 October 2028 without our express written consent.
This protected the Parramatta Eels (and its Members and fans) from a football perspective heading into the 2026 season. It ensured the Club would not lose a representative player to another NRL club without receiving adequate compensation/benefit during the period of Zac’s original contract. Zac agreed to that condition after receiving legal advice.
Parramatta Eels Chairman Matthew Beach made the following comments:
“It is disappointing that we have reached this position, but we have an obligation to the Club’s stakeholders to protect the contractual rights of our Club and the expectation of our Members, players and supporters that contracts will be honoured.
“Back in November 2025, we granted Zac Lomax’s request for a release to pursue opportunities outside the NRL on the condition that he would not return to the NRL during the period of his original playing contract with our Club, without our written consent.”
”Zac had legal representation during the negotiations of his release. Zac accepted those conditions on the basis that he told us that his interests were focused on pursuing opportunities with rugby union, particularly R360. The release documentation was registered with the NRL. The NRL are aware of the conditions associated with the release.
“Our Club believes in the importance of observing contractual obligations. Contracts allow Clubs and players to operate with certainty and within a framework of rules. Contracts are the very stuff that any member of the community and companies have to honour in order to ensure that there is fair dealing. The same applies to the NRL, Clubs and players.
“Late last year, when we were approached by Melbourne Storm, we engaged with them in good faith however we have not been able to come to an agreement that would represent sufficient value for our Club, particularly in relation to our football program. The guiding position of our Club has been to ensure a fair exchange of value for our football program in circumstances where the Storm are attempting to obtain the benefit.”
“Zac and his agent still have an opportunity to work with us to explore options with the other 16 NRL clubs. Notwithstanding this action, we remain open to discussions with any Club who may be willing to offer the appropriate value for our football program.”
“Our coaching staff, players, Members and fans would not expect us to consent to the release based on what has been offered, and therefore we have no alternative but to pursue legal action to enforce the terms of the release and protect the rights of our Club.”
Arthur Moses SC has been retained by the Parramatta Eels to represent its interests in court,” added Beach.
Replies
Yeah that's their strategy to pick off players from other clubs and get them under market value "to win a title" lame as
Exactly
Well done to our club, the leadership and strength shown by Jim Sarantinos and the Board is exceptional. Sheer respect for our stance. Taking away the NRL's attempt to force the Storm down our throats, is a master stroke. The court can decide if we hold Zac's NRL playing rights till 2029.
Interesting note that Zac Lomax asked for a release as far back as July as well.
Storm have been in his ear since then i think
It's starting to stink isn't it. Its not rocket science ! release granted with conditions, all parties lawyered up, all parties agreed on conditions, now Storm want him and don't want to release another capable player. What is really perverse about this, is that the NRL were about to publicly rubber stamp Lomax going to the Storm and us being made to take only $200k in compensation. That dosnt help us fight for a premiership. Just wrong on so many levels and by so many people.
So, where does the NRL stand with this? If Slomax is successful, then at any time. potentially a player can break his contract. That could create mayhem. If the NRL are concerned, they have only 1 course of action. Support the Eels action, especially as they have a copy of the contract between Slomax and the Eels since it was signed.
Also the eels gave lomax a chance to engage with the other clubs bur he declined. Me thinks storm have been in his ear alot earlier then most think
So Lomax asked for a release around round 22
Out of the game for 3 years his agent can follow him
A supreme court process can take a year or more to get to a hearing. It will probably take 4 to 6 weeks just to get it mentioned for the first time and that's assuming Lomax has been served now. Not much chance if both parties stick to their guns that Lomax hits the park for the Storm this season.
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