Parramatta have launched legal action against their former star player, Zac Lomax, as the former Eels star continues to attempt to break a contract.
The Australian Test winger walked out on the final three years of his Eels contract over the off-season as he sought a lucrative deal with R360.
But after his proposed move to the rebel rugby competition was delayed due to its start date being pushed back to 2028, he has since been seeking a return to the NRL.
The big problem facing the 26-year-old is that Parramatta coach Jason Ryles doesn’t want him back in the blue and yellow, and the club so far has been unwilling to allow him to negotiate with another NRL club for three years – something that was written into the terms of his release.
But with Lomax keen to find a way back to the league, talks have been ongoing since. However, they broke down this week despite the NRL’s attempts to step in and mediate a deal between Parramatta and Melbourne – who are desperate to sign a marquee player after an exodus of stars.
But now things have turned ugly with the Eels commencing legal action against their former star.
The matter is listed to be heard in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday afternoon.
Lomax has hired top lawyer Ramy Qutami to represent him, while the Eels will be represented by Arthur Moses.
In a statement on Thursday, Parramatta Eels Chairman Matthew Beach said it is disappointing that it has reached this point.
“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,” Beach said in a statement.
“Back in November 2025, 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.
“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. Contracts are the very stuff that any member of the community and companies have to honour in order to ensure that there is fair dealing. The same applies to the NRL, Clubs and players.
“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.”
The Storm are understood to have offered Parramatta around $200,000 in compensation to sign Lomax.
However, the Eels have pushed back, stating they will only agree to let him leave if they receive a player in return.
Parramatta want either Jack Howarth, Xavier Coates or Stefano Utoikamanu.
Yet the Storm are not willing to let any of the trio go.
As a result, the NRL are said to be prepared to intervene if the Eels don’t accept any “reasonable offers”.
Given the Bulldogs paid Wests Tigers $165,000 in compensation for the mid-season arrival of Lachie Galvin, a figure around $200,000 is likely deemed ‘reasonable’.
Yet financial compensation doesn’t help the Eels in the open market or salary-cap-wise. It only assists with football operations and pathway programs.
So, with no deal able to be reached with the Storm, the Eels have now launched legal proceedings to ensure Lomax sticks to the agreement.