Winger agrees to 2028 NRL return date after Parramatta legal battle
Parramatta had previously launched legal proceedings to prevent Lomax from joining the Storm, as his release from a four-year contract was conditional on the Eels giving written consent. The NSW winger has been cleared to join rebel rugby competition R360 but remains in limbo after its inaugural season was postponed until 2028.
The Eels felt they had no choice but to take legal action after Melbourne attempted to sign Lomax without recognizing his release terms. The parties eventually sat down at the negotiating table, but were unable to reach an agreement before the issue was discussed in court.
“The storm… was clear on us, there were a lot of changes at their club and they needed a player,” Parramatta chairman Matthew Beach said. “Like we said to Storm, ‘Congratulations, you’ve moved to the front of the line.’ There is nothing against this.
“It would have been better to know that upfront, rather than the deal looking very pregnant when we approached, which made it difficult.”
A stay of proceedings is unlikely to ease the pain of Thursday’s opening round clash between Parramatta and Melbourne.
In limbo: Zac Lomax.Credit: Getty Images
The Eels remain open to a deal with the Storm or another club if they can find an adequate replacement for Lomax.
“This was about fighting for what we thought was right, regardless of what other parties were looking for,” Sarantinos said.
Rugby Australia still keeps the door open for Lomax; Knowledgeable sources report that the Western Force remain interested in him, having previously offered the winger a $250,000-a-year deal.
Lomax last played rugby at primary school in Temora and would face a steep learning curve with the Force starting their Super Rugby season with three rounds to go.
