Zac Lomax’s stint at Parramatta has come to a premature end, with the Eels winger granted an immediate release to “pursue opportunities outside the NRL”.
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The Eels confirmed the news in a statement on Sunday afternoon, wishing the NSW Blues representative the best for the future.
Lomax had been linked with a move to the rebel rugby comp R360, and his exit from the Eels will only add to that speculation.
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According to Code Sports, the terms of the release dictate that Lomax will be unable to play for another NRL club until 2029 unless the Eels give him permission to do so.
Of course, if he ends up joining R360 that won’t matter anyway given the NRL has threatened to ban any defecting players for 10 years.
While a big blow to Parramatta’s chances of pushing for a top-eight berth in 2026, Lomax’s release frees up nearly $650,000 while the 26-year-old is expected to earn double that should he link up with R360.
The Eels have already landed gun playmaker Jonah Pezet for next year and could continue to look to the open market for another marquee player, especially given Pezet will be departing the club in 2027 for the Brisbane Broncos.
The news of Lomax’s immediate exit comes after Parramatta locked in Josh Addo-Carr, the club’s other starting winger, on a one-year extension which will keep him in blue and gold until the end of 2027.
As for who could take Lomax’s vacant spot on the other wing, Bailey Simonsson — who had been on the outer last season after Lomax’s arrival — looks the likely candidate to step in.