Parramatta have rejected Melbourne’s audacious bid to sign Zac Lomax on an immediate deal.
It is understood that the Storm requested permission from the Eels in recent weeks to talk with the NSW and Australian flyer.
The Eels instantly rejected the initial request based on the conditional release they granted Lomax in November. However those discussions are set to continue with the Storm still keen on landing the 26-year-old who is without a contract for this season.
The Eels retain Lomax’s rugby league rights despite agreeing to release him just 19 games into a four year deal at the end of last season.
Lomax requested – and was granted – an immediate exit from the Eels to pursue other opportunities. As part of that release, the Eels strictly stipulated that Lomax would not be able to play for any other NRL club until his contract expired at the end of 2028 but would be free to play any other code. Lomax agreed to the terms of the release.
At the time it was thought that Lomax would sign with rebel rugby competition R360. But since securing his early exit from Parramatta, R360 has been forced into a delayed start and will not be able to get off the ground until at least 2028.
The Storm play the Eels in round one to kick-start the competition following the Las Vegas double header.
Lomax has been searching for a new home ever since. He had flirted with rugby including stints in Japan, France or the US while Super Rugby clubs including the Force and Brumbies are keen to secure him.
However, he stands to earn about $400,000 if he opts to switch codes in Australia – well short of the $700,000 he was set to earn at Parramatta this year.
And well down on the $850,000 he would have pocketed if he remained at St George Illawarra before he was granted an early exit from the Dragons.
The prospect of playing rugby in Australia would give Lomax an opportunity to become a dual international. He would have been part of the Kangaroos’ Ashes squad had he not ruled himself out through injury.
The Storm suddenly have salary cap space given their recent departures of Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Jonah Pezet.
The unfortunate injury to Eliesa Katoa – who won’t play this year – has also given the Storm some extra cap room too.
The Eels would be expected to ask for a player of Lomax’s ability to even consider allowing him to play against the club
The Eels have been unable to find a like for like replacement given how late in the year Lomax wanted out.
They secured Gold Coast centre Brian Kelly on a two-year deal on Monday.
Replies
Stevo, maybe he doesn't beleive we are a chance in the short to medium term. Or maybe a change of scenery. He thought he would travel the world with 360, but will settle for trams around melb and a chance to feel like, and be, a winner
Do I note a touch of sarcasm there Randolph? I reckon if I made (authored) your post, you would be in the process of tearing strips off me now......change of scenery? Lol he hasn't got off the boat and he doesn't like the place. The hawesbury is closer than the Parra River.
I'd be saying give us the Premiership rings from 2009 and stop pretending you won it. Then we might sit down to discuss.
Lol
Best reply ever.
Agreed.
Those rings were "hocked" a long time ago....how do you think they paid their fines and Ingliss bought his boat!
On a serious note, can you believe there are actual professionals out there who comment on the game who say just let them have it? Like seriously. I had a mate who said they still won it, so what? Lance Armstrong still won the Tour de' France, do we let him have his medals? I bet if i said let Parra have the 2016 Nines title they would say no we cheated the cap ahahahah.
All good points LB, but the boys are just looking over their shoulders, where they should be looking is much darker!
Outside of a GUN centre, prop or second rower coming our way, it should be a hard no from the Eels.
We lost one of the BEST players in the game. Like for like or no thanks.
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