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
That may be one of the best ideas I have heard for a while.
It's contract year for Matto so he will likely play out of his skin this year. The Eels just need to remember that and get the best out of him for 12 months if we can't offload him.
One final question.....if Melb want to sign Lomax and are asking our approval, does this not mean that Lomax wants to play rugby league for at least the next 2 years....... if so, why doesn't he want to play it with Parra?????????????
Maybe Parramatta do not want him at the money he is receiving. I mean again haven't heard otherwise but doesn't mean something else is there where Ryles doesn't want Lomax in the squad whether personality or anything else.
Yeah why doesn't he want to play at Parramatta but as you said about Coates needs to want to come to Parra as it's two way street, so it this. Why would Ryles want him back could be a question too?
Geez you beat around the bush there LB.....Why would Ryles want him back Doh!
PS Coates is under contract to play for Melb, no where else. Lomax is under contract to play for Parra inside of the NRL.
"Like, maybe he's just not that into you"
Yeah get a top quality player and a decent player 2 way swap.
That is some quality lateral thinking right there KN....I could almost swalllow that deal just to wash the taste of Matto out of our mouths
Tell them to stick their request up their collective arse. Lomax can play Union or do UFC and if he doesn't like those options he can take up fishing.
Spot on 🤣🤣🤣 just hang up the phone
Nah...say we will consider it and drag it out...then one random day say no and hang up
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