Parramatta have taken legal action against Zac Lomax as his messy contract saga and touted move to the Storm reaches boiling point.
Lomax was granted an early release from his contract in November with three years to run on his deal, with the gun outside back in the sights of R360.
However, when the rebel rugby union competition delayed its start, Lomax was left in limbo and has since been linked with a move to Melbourne.
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Under the terms of his release, Lomax agreed that he would not join another NRL club for the duration of his original Eels contract without adequate compensation.
That contract, which he signed after being granted an early release from the Dragons a year prior, was slated to run until the end of the 2028 season.
Zac Lomax. Getty
The parties involved – Parramatta, Melbourne and Lomax – have attempted to resolve the issue, but the Eels have now approached the NSW Supreme Court.
Eels chairman Matthew Beach explained the stance from the club in a lengthy statement on Thursday afternoon and delved into the nitty-gritty of the Lomax saga.
“It is disappointing that we have reached this position, but we have an obligation to the club’s stakeholders to protect the contractual rights of our club and the expectation of our members, players and supporters that contracts will be honoured,” he said.
“We granted Zac Lomax’s request for a release to pursue opportunities outside the NRL on the condition that he would not return to the NRL during the period of his original playing contract with our club, without our written consent.
“Zac had legal representation during the negotiations of his release. Zac accepted those conditions on the basis that he told us that his interests were focused on pursuing opportunities with rugby union, particularly R360.
“The release documentation was registered with the NRL. The NRL are aware of the conditions associated with the release.
Zac Lomax during an Australia Kangaroos training session. Getty
“Our club believes in the importance of observing contractual obligations. Contracts allow clubs and players to operate with certainty and within a framework of rules.
“Late last year, when we were approached by Melbourne Storm, we engaged with them in good faith however we have not been able to come to an agreement that would represent sufficient value for our club, particularly in relation to our football program.
“The guiding position of our club has been to ensure a fair exchange of value for our football program in circumstances where the Storm are attempting to obtain the benefit.
“Zac and his agent still have an opportunity to work with us to explore options with the other 16 NRL clubs. Notwithstanding this action, we remain open to discussions with any club who may be willing to offer the appropriate value for our football program.
“Our coaching staff, players, members and fans would not expect us to consent to the release based on what has been offered. We have no alternative but to pursue legal action to enforce the terms of the release and protect the rights of our club.”
Zac Lomax. Â Paul Kane via Getty Images
Lomax is one of the best outside backs in the competition, having burst onto the scene as a youngster with St George Illawarra at the back-end of 2018.
Since then, he has gone on to represent NSW on six occasions and play a further three matches for the Kangaroos, establishing himself as a representative winger.
He has scored 58 tries in 133 first grade games, while also kicking 368 goals.
After being granted a release from Parramatta, the 26-year-old was one of the high-profile rugby league stars set to join R360, but once the competition fell over he was also linked with a move to overseas rugby union and Super Rugby teams.
Melbourne have since attempted to sign him and have reportedly offered both transfer fees and player swaps to acquire Lomax in time for the 2026 season.