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
You worry me sometimes ploppo
Only sometimes, that's a worry.
One thing i will say with all this stuff going on....lets not get too serious!
A lot of poor me and feeling sorry for ourselves and the perceptions of our treatment can only go so far!
Just stay positive and try not to "shit" in our own nests somewhat.
That would be the cats cream !!!
and if anyone is going to be able to find it and advise around this it's Arthur Moses
it ain't his first rodeo !! And he usually handles high criminal cases so evidence retrieval would be his speciality !!!!
suck shit Zac
you played dumb
you lost
That sounds entirely plausible and unsurprising
mb Arthur Moses ( as a Parra supporter ) approached the club once this circus began and advised them on what may have transpired ; and how to follow up on getting the paper trail
I was thinking something suspicious like this was going on and it wasn't going to be in storm/nrl best interest for it to go to court. Maybe Ryles just said stuff it and hit the nuke button 🤣
Ooh that's good. If true, there's a good chance that will come out, and who knows what else. This could get very embarrassing for the NRL.
I can't help but think if the NRL had a trade window similar to AFL then Lomax could have asked for a trade, we could have been compensated and this could have all been avoided.
Here is a thought. Today, the Eels barrister will issue subpoenas to obtain documentation relating to an agreement between Lomax's solicitor, his agent and the Storm. My gut feeling is that after this action, either the Storm or Lomax will fold, as the documents may disclose very damaging information.The defendants have a choice- show or go.Well done by the barrister- going for the jugular
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