The Melbourne Storm’s attempts to sign Zac Lomax ahead of the new season have faced fresh backlash from their rivals, following a meeting with NRL club bosses on Wednesday. A number of CEOs from the 17 clubs joined NRL chief Andrew Abdo to discuss several issues around the game, including a number of proposed rule changes for 2026.
And the future of Lomax – who is without a team after walking out on Parramatta – was among the hot topics of conversation. The Eels agreed to release Lomax from the final three years of his contract at the end of last season, on the proviso he couldn’t join an NRL rival until the end of 2028 without their express permission.
Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodksi (L) has defended coach Craig Bellamy (R) and the club’s pursuit of Zac Lomax, following backlash from their NRL rivals. Pic: Getty
Both parties agreed to the deal and Lomax was widely expected to join R360 before the rebel rugby competition was forced to delay the start of its launch until 2027. It’s left the future of the former Origin and Kangaroos star in limbo, with a potential switch to Australian or overseas rugby so far failing to materialise.
The Storm’s attempts to sign Lomax for this season were rejected by Parramatta, who would rightly expect some form of compensation to agree to let him join a rival club. The 26-year-old is reportedly exploring his legal options but has been warned that he signed a legally binding contract and could be fighting a losing battle if he takes the matter to court.
Zac Lomax is without a team for 2026 after walking out on the Parramatta Eels at the end of last season. Pic: Getty
Rival NRL clubs opposed to Storm’s move for Zac Lomax
And on Wednesday, rival NRL bosses also voiced their concerns over the Storm’s attempts to sign Lomax. It’s understood the rival club CEOs in attendance were unanimous in the belief that the NRL should not allow Lomax to join Melbourne after walking out on Parramatta – unless they agree on a deal with the Eels.
Melbourne CEO Justin Rodski was part of the conference call and argued his case for the Storm. He claimed it would be no different than if another club tried to sign Ryan Papenhuyzen following his release from the Storm at the end of last season.
However, Papenhuyzen did not sign a contract preventing him joining a rival club when he left Melbourne. The fact Lomax willingly agreed to that stipulation when he left the Eels means Parramatta still holds the player’s rugby league rights until the end of 2028.
Craig Bellamy’s (R) Storm have been warned they will have to agree on a compensation deal with Parramatta to sign Zac Lomax (second from left at top). Pic: Getty
Former Wests Tigers chairman and legal expert Lee Hagipantelis suggested this week that the Storm’s best hopes of landing Lomax would be to provide some sort of compensation for Parramatta in return. “What’s in it for Parramatta?” That’s where it’s going to end, I don’t think it’s going to see the inside of a courtroom,” he told SEN.
There are suggestions the Eels would consider a player swap with the Storm, with Jack Howarth’s name mentioned, as well as some form of financial compensation. And with pressure on the NRL to block the the Storm from signing Lomax without Parramatta’s blessing, league bosses will be hoping the clubs can work out an acceptable agreement for both parties.