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.
Replies
Another not coming, as expected. Once we start talking if not signed in the week then forget about it.
Another fake fb
news
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
I have to agree here with Bourbon; this guy has had a good season but I am not throwing the bank at him tbh. Look we did well this year with who played and you can see also who left and who was also injured.
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
I think you are misreading the comment. Pezet was signed long before lomax was released, i think he meant after lomax was released it freed up money that may have been used for a longer deal for pezet but it came too late.
Was he though? Pretty sure LB told us Lomax was gone well before the 1 year wonder was signed.
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