Storm to face hefty bill if star loses Eels court fight

A high-stakes court fight over embattled NRL player Zac Lomax could mean the Melbourne Storm star will end up with a hefty legal bill instead.

Four-time premiership Parramatta Eels have launched legal action to stop their contracted wingers jumping ship to the Melbourne Storm.

The Eels initially released Lomax amid speculation he would join the R360 rugby competition.

When the R360 delayed its launch, Lomax was left in limbo before considering a move to Melbourne.

The value of a move to the Storm starting in 2026 is reportedly $1 million.

The NSW Supreme Court heard at a brief hearing on Friday that Melbourne had paid compensation to the State of Origin star and could have to pay his legal bill if the Eels win the case.

Parramatta lawyer Arthur Moses SC told the court that in December Lomax’s lawyer Ramy Qutami told him the winger could play for the Storm, Perth Bears or Canberra Raiders.

The lawyer said whether it was reasonable for the Eels to deny clearance to an NRL rival depended on the conduct of both teams and Lomax.

While the 26-year-old claims this contract restriction is unenforceable, Parramatta claim it is legal and valid.

Mr Moses argued the NRL player should be cross-examined in court and that a two-day hearing starting on Thursday would not be enough.

Earlier on Friday, Lomax’s barrister Adam Casselden SC pressed for the matter to be heard as soon as possible.

Judge Francois Kunc told the lawyer to explain why there would be consequences for Lomax if the hearing was held within a week from March 2.

“You’re going to have to do some work to convince me why the world will end if we push this to the beginning of March,” he said.

This means the legal dispute will continue beyond the start of the NRL season, denying Lomax any chance of playing in the first round.

The parties will return to court on Monday to determine next steps.

Three-time Australian international Lomax, who has scored five tries in six Origin matches for the Blues, only joined the Eels for the 2025 season after requesting to be released from the final two seasons of his contract with the Dragons.

The NRL season kicks off on March 1 in Las Vegas, with the first Australian match between the Storm and Eels on March 5.