Zac Lomax’s return to the NRL is not off just yet, with the Eels ready to use him as capital in a bid to sign Mitch Barnett.

The winger’s hopes of playing in a Storm jersey went up in flames on Tuesday, with Parramatta and Melbourne failing to reach an agreement.

That led to Lomax settling his legal stoush with Parramatta out of court, agreeing not to sign with a rival club unless he was given the Eels’ blessing.

Under the agreement, Lomax is still bound by the terms of his release that he cannot sign with another club without the Eels’ consent. In return, Parramatta agreed to shave one year off, meaning he can return to the NRL without their consent in 2028.

However, a return to the NRL this year is not off the cards entirely, with Lomax potentially set to be used in negotiations with the Warriors, as the Eels are very keen on the services of Origin forward Barnett.

The Eels have already expressed interest in the 31-year-old after missing out on the signing of Keaon Koloamatangi.

And now, after the Storm agreement went up in smoke, the Eels have been presented with the perfect opportunity to use him in a deal to secure Barnett.

Last week, Barnett revealed he will return to Australia for family reasons at the end of the year, with New Zealand granting him a release on family compassionate grounds from the final year of his contract.

Barnett wants to move back close to Taree, where his family are located, so he can better support his family and child.

However, despite granting his release at season’s end, the Warriors have made it clear any side wanting to sign him needs to be ready to give to get.

“Mitch and his agent know very clearly that whilst we’ve been completely considerate and understanding of this situation in agreeing to release him, there is a business component to it,” Warriors CEO Cameron George told SMH.

“And that is we expect to be compensated in the form of a player or two for allowing Mitch to go home, from the club that shows interest. We will work through that process.

“There’s probably only 12 clubs that would fit his bill … There’s no point sitting here and guessing who or what that [compensation is until Gav (Barnett’s agent Gavin Orr) rings us and says ‘Club A is interested in Mitch and this is what they can offer up. Or is there something else you prefer?’ That’s how that conversation starts. Until that happens, you don’t know.”

George said a transfer fee – which doesn’t provide any salary cap assistance – is off the table, paving the way for a potential deal to nab Lomax in return for their star forward.

Both the Eels and Warriors would come out winners from the deal.

The New Zealand side have several talented forwards ready to step up when Barnett leaves, but they are lacking serious strike power in their backline.

Currently their wingers are Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, with new recruit Alofiana Khan-Pereira a backup.

However, Tuivasa-Sheck has been linked to a return to rugby union, but even if he opts to stay at the Warriors, he is arguably a better centre anyway.

Regardless, Lomax would instantly become the club’s biggest backline strike weapon and if they can get him for Barnett – who they have agreed to leave anyway – it would be a no-brainer.

As for the Eels, Ryles made it known on Tuesday that he would love Barnett at the club.

“He’s certainly someone we’d potentially look at,” Ryles said on Tuesday.

“He’s an Origin forward. I think that’s an area of our roster that we can certainly strengthen.

“I think us, like many clubs, will be obviously looking in that space.”

Watch this space.