The NRL players’ union has slammed Parramatta over their handling of Zac Lomax’s contract situation, amid reports the Eels are demanding a player from the Storm before they’ll allow him to join Melbourne. Lomax is in limbo after being released from the final three years of his Eels contract, on the proviso he can’t join an NRL rival until 2029 without the club’s permission.
The former Origin and Kangaroos winger was expected to join R360 but the rebel rugby competition was forced to delay its launch until 2028, leaving Lomax without a club. Melbourne’s attempts to sign Lomax ahead of the new season have been rejected by the Eels, who are seeking compensation in the form of a player exchange with the Storm, rather than money.
The Parramatta Eels have rejected Melbourne Storm’s attempts to sign Zac Lomax, with the NRL reportedly ready to step in and resolve the situation. Pic: Getty
Parramatta would reportedly entertain a swap deal with the Storm involving one of Xavier Coates, Stefano Utoikamanu or Jack Howarth. But RLPA chief executive Clint Newton has criticised Parramatta’s approach and says the players’ union is staunchly opposed to any situation that would pressure contracted players to switch clubs against their will.
“That’s not something that we would encourage or support,” Newton said. “Players who have existing contracts have every right to see out their futures at the club they signed with.” Newton is hoping the Eels and Storm can come to a compromise that is acceptable to both parties so Lomax can return.
NRL prepared to step in to resolve Zac Lomax standoff
And according to a report from The Sydney Morning Herald, the NRL are ready to intervene if the Eels are not prepared to consider any “reasonable offers” by the Storm or other NRL rivals. The same report says Melbourne have offered Parramatta compensation of around $200,000 for Lomax, which is considered a fair sum by recent market standards.
The Canterbury Bulldogs paid the Wests Tigers $165,000 to secure Lachlan Galvin’s signature midway through last season in comparison. But the Tigers reluctantly agreed on that deal when it became clear that Galvin’s future at the joint-venture club had become untenable.
And the fact Lomax willingly signed a deal with Parramatta preventing a move to an NRL rival without their consent, means the Eels hold the power in this case. And Parramatta CEO Jim Sarantinos has defended the club’s stance, insisting any compensation they receive should be “an appropriate exchange of value” for the player.
Former Parramatta star Zac Lomax is without an NRL club after agreeing to a release from the Eels last year. Pic: Getty
Complicating the situation is the fact Melbourne are loathe to lose any more star players that could be considered in a potential swap deal. Craig Bellamy’s Storm already granted releases to Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona last year, and have lost rep forward Eli Katoa for the entire 2026 season after his sickening brain injury while playing for Tonga in November.
The addition of Lomax would ease the burden on Melbourne’s squad, with his ability to cover a number of backline positions giving them greater flexibility. It could also help reduce the workload on young gun fullback Sua Fa’alogo and winger Will Warbrick, following his lengthy battle with concussion symptoms in 2025.