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 do wonder though, if Parra says no to playing for the Eels for whatever reason, then blocks him from other NRL clubs, would the RLPA get involved? Despite the fact he agreed to it, is there a case for loss/prevention of income?
Player swap solves that, but we all know we have trouble attracting marquee talent, so it seems like a stalemate, or we'll be left with the short end of the stick while he takes the field for Melb
I'd try to argue that it's not a restriction of trade as he signed the release that he instigated a matter of weeks ago, and he also has at least 1 offer from Rugby at $400k a season. I reckon he's absolutey stitched himself up by leaving the Eels a few weeks too soon. I hope the NRL dont reward this behaviour, not to mention bolster the bloody storm
I hope the NRL don't buckle on this either, but knowing who the other team is, it would not surprise me in the slightest if it goes ahead. The NRL's primary focus is growth and market share. If signing Lomax makes Melbourne a better team, it makes them stronger in an AFL market.
The timing of it all as well, comes out days after Kelly is announced as signed, the RLPA/NRL/Courts could argue because Parra doesn't have a place for him in the squad or a market value salary under the salary cap, that it is a restriction of trade especially because an offer is there. If there is a swap, it would have to fit within what space/money we have, so we could be looking at a fringe/reserve grade player in return.
Sucks, but we'll see what happens
Yep, looking more like our best outcome would be getting someone decent, with the storm chipping in. It'll be interesting to see how easily the Storm get Lomax and what they value him at.
Parra can as they've signed fuck all of nothing, so u are incorrect
We've signed Pezet and Kelly since releasing Lomax. Those two would cost at least $700k. First graders aren't cheap, and neither was 'unwanted' by other clubs.
I cannot believe for one minute that we have paid more than 700k for those 2 combined
My guess is 250 and 350 no more.....rhetoric is that Anasta said we got Pezet redicoulously cheap and you would not pay more than 350 for Kelly and don't forget we were in an argy bargy for KK 5 minutes ago for a million.
For a smart guy Pou you have sold yourself short being an aologist for our cap, I have no doubt that if a player turned up tomorrow we would pay that right player a Million and not blink! and that takes into account that KK would be next years payrol.
Pezet got a four year offer from the premiers. He would be on at least $700k up there, which would be low for a starting NRL halfback. In that light I'm sure we got him 'cheap', but it would be a lot more than $350k.
Koloamatangi was for 2027 when we have all these guys currently uncontracted:
de Belin (club option for '27)
Guymer
Mataele
Matterson
Paulo
Renisini
Wenisini
Pryke
Tuilagi
Volkman
Walker
Stuff melbourne. They have done us no favours. Unless they give us coates or whishart fark them
We don't need Wishart, where would he play? He's not going to oust Pezet, or Walker, Hopgood or JDB.
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