The Eels suddenly have about $2 million to play with.

 Sam Goodwin, Sports Editor

Updated Mon 17 November 2025 at 2:11 pm AEDT

The Parramatta Eels are expected to ramp up their push to sign Keaon Koloamatangi from the Rabbitohs now that Zac Lomax has made an immediate departure from the NRL. The Eels announced on Sunday night that Lomax was granted an immediate release with three years left on his contract "to pursue opportunities outside the NRL".

 The NSW and Australia winger has been heavily linked to rebel rugby union competition R360. On Monday, The Daily Telegraph reported that Parramatta's bid to sign Koloamatangi has been "strengthened" by Lomax's exit.

Koloamatangi made his debut for Australia in the recent Ashes series, coming off the bench in all three Tests against England. The 27-year-old forward also played State of Origin for NSW in 2023 and previously played 10 Tests for Tonga before switching his allegiance to Australia.

Koloamatangi was a revelation for the Rabbitohs in 2025, and was easily their best player in a season plagued by multiple injuries to their stars. He's only under contract until the end of 2026, making him free to speak to rival clubs about a deal for 2027.

You need to be a member of 1Eyed Eel to add comments!

Join 1Eyed Eel

Votes: 0
Email me when people reply –

Replies

  • Another not coming, as expected. Once we start talking if not signed in the week then forget about it.31016967861?profile=RESIZE_584x

  • If there are any lessons to be learned from our past mistakes it is that we should not break the bank for this player. We have good kids coming through and you through $1m per season for Keon, those same good kids are going to be demanding overs and do a Gutho on us.

    Offer him $800k per season for 3 years. If he wants to win premierships, his got a good chance with us. If he wants the cash cow, go to the Dragons and run close to last for the next 3 years.

    • Bourbon, I cannot see players who want to win a comp in the next 3 years viewing Eels as the place to be just yet. Perhaps koalaman may suspect that we expect him to open our premiership window.  he needs to bring a wonderbar with him 

      Right now we offer a drawing of an open window, hung over a shut one

  • Hold the phone, Anasta stated that the Lomax money was used to secure his boy, Pezet.

    “Parra didn’t offer a long-term deal. It may have been there if I pressed it but when Zac (was released), it freed up some money,” Anasta said.

    https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2025-jonah-pez...

    • Wonder where Dylan Browns earmarked money went then

    • You are not supposed to remember things that were said previously, Badger. That is v.rude of you and poor form....making truthteller Braith look like a cretinous inveterate liar by using his own words played back is against the Geneva convention.

      No peace prize for you.....Bad Badger,

      Bad Bad Badger 

  • Will Parra ever sign a few decent players or are they just going to pocket the extra holiday super cash  💰 💰 💰 and rely on lower grade players coming through.  It appears that way 

  • Close the deal Parra at least one ffs......honestly we have the cash ....all this AI best roster and top 4 team for happiest players ....I say bullshit....we recruit a gun rep middle forward then Ill believe the JR story and the team hype thats still around .....farrrrrrk

    • Margo Kneel really needs to work on his blowjobs... he'll get there one day

This reply was deleted.

More stuff to read

Randy Handlinger replied to Cumberland Eel's discussion Parramatta ramp up pursuit of Kangaroos star after Zac Lomax's immediate exit from NRL
"Margo Kneel really needs to work on his blowjobs... he'll get there one day"
28 minutes ago
Randy Handlinger replied to Cumberland Eel's discussion Parramatta ramp up pursuit of Kangaroos star after Zac Lomax's immediate exit from NRL
"You are not supposed to remember things that were said previously, Badger. That is v.rude of you and poor form....making truthteller Braith look like a cretinous inveterate liar by using his own words played back is against the Geneva convention.
No…"
31 minutes ago
Randy Handlinger replied to Cumberland Eel's discussion Parramatta ramp up pursuit of Kangaroos star after Zac Lomax's immediate exit from NRL
"Bourbon, I cannot see players who want to win a comp in the next 3 years viewing Eels as the place to be just yet. Perhaps koalaman may suspect that we expect him to open our premiership window.  he needs to bring a wonderbar with him 
Right now we…"
37 minutes ago
Alfred replied to Blue Eel's discussion Reliance on Juniors as our Pathway to Glory vs Signing Talented 1st Graders
"Sanders must not be anything special if they signed another halfback in the broncos academy "
43 minutes ago
More…