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
Now Lomax has got a lawyer involved. Same one that represented Folau against Rugby Aust.
The only thing MON is good at is loosing players .....If Lomax has to sit out 4 years so be it in the NRL....go play that two bit sport Rugby
The rate MON is sitting at he needs to lose his Job, we are like the Dallas Cowboys with Jerry Jones not knowing what to do with the joint but tear it into the ground. I am fed up with it as a fan in all honesty.
Difference is Jones actually won 3 SB's.
Well still were like the 49ers or Cowboys, right coach need a better GM that exactly like John Lynch. If we can do that we could be playing gfs most of our time.
I believe this is the FO part of the FAFO for Lomax.
He made his bed and now he gets to lie in it. Assuming that we haven't bungled this release legally we should absolutely hold tight on this. Lomax was released with terms.
And if we have. Whomever is responsible and accountable should be shown the door immediately it comes to pass.
Buzz saying that Jack Howarth could be traded for Lomax
Pass.
If we give in for a guy Storm is looking to replace with Lomax we are weak as piss!
If not the Storm, then some other club but he needs to be traded. No point in hanging onto someone that doesnt want to play for you when his value it high.
All I ask for is once he's gone and comes up against Parra, a good old cannonball tackle after a run up to see how well his knees hold up.
-
12
-
13
-
14
-
15
-
16
of 16 Next