Parramatta ramp up pursuit of Kangaroos star after Zac Lomax's immediate exit from NRL

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.

"Ryles alluded to something going on last year. I suspect that all is not exactly well with Matterson, hence why he only played a handful of games last year. I hope he is OK and I'm sure the club is supporting him in this. It's been painted that…"

Replies

- Randy Handlinger > Parra_Greg December 9, 2025 at 6:25pm
  
  Margo Kneel really needs to work on his blowjobs... he'll get there one day
BEM December 9, 2025 at 5:55pm

They are saving the money for their usual Mad Monday celebrations.
TolEllts December 9, 2025 at 6:05pm

No faith that we can sign him as long as we have MON and whoever are in the negotiating table.
Joel K December 9, 2025 at 7:16pm

Sign Richo as a GM. Would actually get shit done
- Poppa > Joel K December 10, 2025 at 12:07pm
  
  Joel K Who do you think should chase him Joel, Jim?
  
  Looking at Richo physically as he left Tigers, I reckon he will be flat out seeing another season !!
  
  PS How much "shit" did he get done at Tigers??
- Cumberland Eel > Joel K December 10, 2025 at 4:16pm
  
  He would be lucky to make it to the carpark. He definitely needs to lose weight. Stress isn't good either if you're overweight
- Randy Handlinger > Joel K December 10, 2025 at 7:33pm
  
  Yeah, lets get the guy who's rolling out the door backwards from a team in a worse position than us. That'll fix us
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER December 9, 2025 at 8:43pm

We need to offer $2 Million to get him
- Poppa > ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER December 10, 2025 at 12:08pm
  
  Good to see your adding value to Cumberland Eels posts Arnie!
  
  Any other idea's??