Sean Russell is the man most likely to replace Zac Lomax on the wing for Parramatta next season, but the Eels could face a battle to keep hold of the 23-year-old beyond that. Russell is contracted at Parramatta until the end of 2026 but is attracting interest from the Perth Bears, and his potential exit would be another blow for the NRL side after releasing Lomax from the final three seasons of his deal.
Lomax was tipped to make a big-money move to R360 next year before the launch of the rebel rugby competition was delayed until 2028. And while he’s still been linked with a switch to the rival code next year and looms as a potential target for the Wallabies ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, Lomax’s prospects of returning to Parramatta appear dead and buried.
Sean Russell (far left) is reportedly in the sights of the Perth Bears. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
It leaves Russell in the box seat to cement a wing role at the Eels in 2026, but the former club junior could follow Lomax out the door in 2027. It’s understood Parramatta are eager to keep hold of the 23-year-old but face stiff competition from the Bears, who are busily putting together their maiden roster for 2027 and looking to recruit experienced players such as Russell.
Sean Russell (right image, left) is Zac Lomax’s (far left) likely replacement on the wing for the Parramatta in 2026 but has emerged as a target of the Perth Bears for 2027. Pic: Getty
The Eels probably won’t be able to match any potential offer from Mal Meninga’s cashed-up Perth side. And Russell’s manager Gavin Orr told Wide World of Sports that his client has a big decision to make around his future after suggesting talks with the Bears have been held.
“There is interest there so Sean has some decisions to make,” Orr told the publication. Russell scored five tries after featuring predominantly at centre in the 20 NRL games he played for Parramatta this year. But he’s proven to be a versatile outside back with impressive finishing skills on the wing as well, and could be a valuable addition to a Bears roster that is beginning to take shape.
Sean Russell celebrates a try for the Parramatta Eels during the 2025 NRL season. Pic: Getty
Perth Bears targeting big names after recent signings
Meninga’s side has already announced the signing of former Canterbury halfback Toby Sexton, who will return from the English Super League for Perth’s inaugural season in 2027. The Bears have also agreed deals for Leeds centre Harry Newman, ex-Bulldogs forward Luke Smith, former Cowboys forward Emarly Bitungane and Titans prop Iszac Fa’asuamaleaui, whose move could boost their chances of recruiting his brother and Gold Coast captain Tino as the club’s marquee star.
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Last week, Perth landed their most significant signing to date by luring premiership-winning forward Liam Henry from the Panthers, amid interest from five rival clubs. And the Bears have just secured a landmark major sponsorship deal with Cash Converters worth $2 million a year, which will boost their ability to recruit top talent. The company’s CEO Peter Cumins initially led the Perth bid consortium before it was knocked back by the NRL.
Perth will be hoping the sponsorship deal helps them add more quality to a playing roster that contains just six names to date, with the addition of a marquee star high on the list of priorities. The Bears have also been in discussions to sign Melbourne Storm star Nick Meaney, who is off contract after 2026 and currently weighing up the best option for his long-term career.
“We’ve chatted with them (Perth) and obviously had a lot of conversations with Melbourne,” Meaney said last week. “I’m still going through the process at the moment and what’s best for my future and my family as well. Hopefully in the near future I’ll have something set in stone, whether that’s here or there or somewhere else as well, I’m not sure yet.”
Meaney has starred at centre for Melbourne in recent seasons but has also been superb at fullback when filling in for the recently departed Ryan Papenhuyzen. But Meaney has hosed down suggestions he’s set to replace Papenhuyzen as the Melbourne No.1 in 2026 after backing teammate Sua Fa’alogo to shine in the Storm fullback role next season.