Zac Lomax‘s incredibly early exit from Parramatta opens the door for Jason Ryles and company to continue moving the chess pieces around at the club.

One of the NRL’s worst-kept secrets was confirmed on Sunday night, with the star winger granted a release from the remainder of his Eels contract.

It’s the second time Lomax has left a club with multiple years remaining on his deal in as many years, having waved goodbye to the Dragons at the end of 2024.

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Zac Lomax  NRL Imagery

The 26-year-old inked a four-year agreement and looked set to be a major part of Ryles’ long-term plans, but their tenure together came to an end after just 12 months.

Lomax is now expected to make the move to rebel rugby union competition R360, which will likely see him pocket more than double his NRL contract.

While it’s a bitter blow in the short-term for the Eels given the fact Lomax an incumbent State of Origin player, it does give them wriggle room in the salary cap moving forward.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona has been heavily linked with the club since he was let go by the Storm and the Lomax move frees up room for him to join immediately.

However, the big positive of Lomax walking out with three years to go means the Eels can also be active in the current free agency period and land a big fish for 2027.

Nelson Asofa-Solomona Getty

Keaon Koloamatangi is one player who has put himself in the shop-front window and would be a brilliant addition for the Eels, while the likes of Jayden Campbell and Tyran Wishart could be viable playmaking options if Ryles wished to go down that path.

Lomax’s exit also represents the no-nonsense approach from Ryles, who is gearing up for his second year in charge and will be hoping to take the Eels back to the finals.

After getting his feet under the desk last year, Ryles made some very bold decisions right off the bat, headlined by telling two veterans they were no longer required.

Clint Gutherson, the club’s captain, was moved on and signed with St George Illawarra in a move that upset many fans and left plenty of people scratching their heads.

It proved to be a great move for both parties, as Gutherson immediately became the heart and soul of the Red V, while the Eels unearthed young gun Isaiah Iongi.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard, who had only just won the Ken Thornett Medal for the club’s player of the year in 2024, was also shuffled out the door and signed with the Titans.

His stint on the Gold Coast lasted just one season and he now heads to the UK.

Reagan Campbell-Gillard Getty

Joe Ofahengaue and Bryce Cartwright also left the Eels early in the Ryles era, while back-rower Ryan Matterson was sent away on loan to the Super League.

Ryles made his intentions clear almost immediately when he dropped both Cartwright and Matterson to reserve grade early in the season.

Those decisions made it easier for Ryles to blood some fresh talent in the forward pack as the likes of Sam Tuivati, Kitione Kautoga and Luca Moretti all featured in first grade.

Ryles hasn’t had it all his way since arriving at the Eels, with the well-documented loss of Dylan Brown a major blow, while Mitchell Moses spent much of 2025 out injured.

Then there was the issues with Bailey Simonsson, who requested a release multiple times due to his lack of NRL opportunities and what his best position was at the club.

After months of public dramas, Simonsson and Ryles hashed it out and the winger is now remaining at the Eels for the next two years and is likely to take Lomax’s spot.

Bailey Simonsson wanted out of the Eels Getty

And with one of the game’s best young talents Jonah Pezet signing on for next season to partner Moses and plenty of up-and-comers ready to make their mark, there’s plenty of reason for optimism that the blue and gold outfit can thrive – even without Lomax.

Parramatta Eels 2024 squad

Junior Paulo (c), Clint Gutherson (c), Mitchell Moses, Maika Sivo, Dylan Brown, Shaun Lane, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Ryan Matterson, Haze Dunster, Bryce Cartwright, Wiremu Greig, Joey Lussick, Sean Russell, Will Penisini, Makahesi Makatoa, Bailey Simonsson, Ofahiki Ogden, Matt Doorey, J’maine Hopgood, Brendan Hands, Joe Ofahengaue, Daejarn Asi, Morgan Harper, Kelma Tuilagi, Blaize Talagi, Zac Cini

Parramatta Eels 2026 squad

Bailey Simonsson, Charlie Guymer, Dylan Walker, Isaiah Iongi, J’maine Hopgood, Jack de Belin, Jack Williams, Joash Papalii, Jonah Pezet, Jordan Samrani, Josh Addo-Carr, Junior Paulo, Kitione Kautoga, Luca Moretti, Matt Doorey, Mitchell Moses, Ronald Volkman, Ryan Matterson, Sam Tuivati, Tallyn Da Silva, Toni Mataele, Will Penisini, Ryley Smith

Parramatta Eels departed players 2025/26

Ethan Sanders, Blaize Talagi, Reagan Campbell-Gillard, Maika Sivo, Clint Gutherson, Daejarn Asi, Ky Rodwell, Makahesi Makatoa, Morgan Harper, Ofahiki Ogden, Tevita Taumoepenu, Zac Cini, Joe Ofahengaue, Bryce Cartwright, Dylan Brown, Shaun Lane, Brendan Hands, Dean Hawkins, Wiremu Greig, Dan Keir, Haze Dunster, Zac Lomax