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
This is a reputation reset for the Parramatta Football Club, everyone within the rugby league world has now taken notice an will be thinking twice about trying to screw us. This is a bold move to publicly state they are suing someone and I will be surprised if it actually goes the whole way
I absolutely love this move by the club, I said in another blog we needed to show some teeth and let the sleeping giant of the NRL let all and sundry know we are no pushover.
Alright alright alright, let's strap ourselves in for the ride.
Well done to the club for taking this on head on and showing we won't just roll over. This is strong leadership - makes me proud to be an Eel.
All clubs will be watching this very closely and this will be a precedent for many instances to come. If this fails and the exit clauses are found to be unenforceable I expect players will find it much harder to get a release on compassionate grounds in the future.
Nearly every NRL supporter (including a good amount of Storm supporters) are on our side and hoping for Lomax and the Storm to fail.
Yee Hah. We have recognised a good fight and have shown spirit in taking it. We have jammed vlandys here and bruised his ego. I approve and encourage.
I heard this morning that the nrl were going to sign off a contract with Melbourne despite parras contract clause. This move makes a lot of sense if that was the case. I think this has been well handled by Parra.
Considering they signed off on Lomax release conditions lol. What a bunch of f wits. How bad is that they break something they signed off on.
Hey Poppa,...no nrl involvement 'eh.
I wish this all happened a month ago. I wonder if south's could have been tempted for a swap between he and keon, and the extra year of a bumped up contract may have been enough for us to land keon. Frustrating but no point living in what ifs
When proceedings commence we should ask for surety (bond deposit) by Lomax to cover his costs in case he loses the case as costs will be awarded against him. I would also think that Lomaxs agents look at their professional indemnity insurance as they may be in a spot of bother for the advice they providef
I hope this is the start of something great for the club culture
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