NRL CEO Andrew Abdo admits a change to the game’s current contracting system is something league bosses may consider in the wake of the Zac Lomax standoff between former club Parramatta and suitors Melbourne. But the NRL boss has warned that any potential changes would involve consultation with all the game’s key stakeholders and won’t be taken lightly.
Lomax’s case remains before the NSW Supreme Court, but the hearing will not begin until March 2, just three days before both teams face each other in their NRL season opener. It means the former Eels winger is increasingly unlikely to be cleared to play for the Storm against his former side in round one.
NRL boss Andrew Abdo admits the Zac Lomax standoff between Parramatta and Melbourne could prompt a change to the current contract system. Pic: Getty
Parramatta have taken Lomax to court over the 26-year-old’s attempts to facilitate a move to Melbourne for this season. The Eels agreed to release Lomax from the final three years of his contract on the priviso he couldn’t join a rival NRL club in that time without their express written consent.
Lomax was expected to move to R360 this year but the rebel rugby competition delayed its launch until 2028, leaving him in limbo. And Melbourne’s attempts to sign the former Origin and Test star have been blocked, with Parramatta rejecting two financial offers from the Storm to acquire his signature.
The NRL is keeping a close watch on the Lomax court proceedings and ARLC Commission boss Peter V’landys has already said the 26-year-old would be welcomed back to the sport. Abdo echoed that sentiment and insisted they want the best talent playing in the competition, but said the Lomax saga would first have to play out in court before his future can be decided.
NRL boss admits Zac Lomax saga could prompt changes
“For me, I want the best athletes in the world playing in the NRL and NRLW competition, full stop,” NRL CEO Abdo said. “That all has to happen within our rules and clearly there are discussions happening now between Zac and the Eels that are the subject matter of a court case.”
But Abdo stressed that any potential review of the NRL’s current contract system that could facilitate Lomax’s return would be a matter for the ARL Commission and the game’s key stakeholders to discuss. “It’s a delicate balance that is required,” he added.
Parramatta have taken Zac Lomax to court after rejecting his attempts to join the Melbourne Storm, following his release from the Eels. Pic: Getty
(Mark Nolan via Getty Images)
“Both the clubs and players will agree to certain terms in the contract that to give both or either the club or the player protection based on the circumstances. That is not uncommon in professional sport… A decision to change the current contracting rules would be carefully considered by the commission in consultation with the key stakeholders including the RLPA and clubs.
“Like anything in the sport, whether it’s on field or off field, we are always looking at the way we do things and how we can improve. If there is a better way of doing things we will look at it… (But) this is an unusual case, given it’s related to the emergence of a new potential unsanctioned competition.”
with AAP