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
I thought so, Randy. I mean, they're both taking the piss.
We should definitely be sending him in a package deal with full freight Matterson for Blore and Meaney
Zac Lomax hires Israel Folau’s lawyer to fight for release from Eels deal
The lawyer who fought Rugby Australia for Israel Folau will now represent Zac Lomax in an explosive bid to escape his Parramatta deal to sign with the Melbourne Storm.
https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/zac-lomax-hires-israel-...
Summary:
Zac Lomax has enlisted the high-profile lawyer who represented Israel Folau in his legal battle with Rugby Australia as he pushes to be released from the remainder of his Parramatta Eels contract so he can join the Melbourne Storm immediately. The Eels previously granted him a conditional release in November that allows him to pursue opportunities outside the NRL but prevents him from signing with another NRL club until his original deal expires in 2028. Lomax’s camp argues changed circumstances — including the delayed launch of the rebel R360 competition he had targeted — justify his bid to overturn that restriction and secure an unrestricted exit.
😂😂😂
You can't make this shit up Mutts, unbelievable if true.
I'm no lawyer but I can't see the legal basis for this. Seems like a Hail Mary.
I guess it puts a definite end to Lomax ever returning.
Its for melbourne the nrl will not do anything to help parra.
What a surprise this pops up after announcing Kelly had signed. This shit stinks!!
This is where the NRL needs to step in, lomax has now left two contracts early.
Sounds like a bid by the lawyer to raise their profile. I mean, not sure how the changed circumstances over which parra had no influence or control justify changing the terms of his release. A release he sought and agreed to. Piss off Zac, you made your choices and it didn't work out the way you planned. Tough shit - put on your big boy pants and go play rugby.
Well now this is different. I admit turns what I hear on its head.
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