Since the 1980s, the Canterbury Bulldogs and Parramatta Eels have had a storied rivalry with one another but the latest episode could potentially reach a boiling point.

Discussing the future of Zac Lomax on NRL 360, an idea was floated around that the Eels could swap the exiled winger with the Bulldogs for their star five-eighth Matt Burton.

Watch every game of every round of the Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.

This would see the NSW Blues representative return to the NRL after a move to the Melbourne Storm fell through and Burton, whose future is currently clouded in uncertainty, will travel the other way.

“Parramatta haven’t said that they don’t want him to come back to the game. They just want a player in return. They don’t want money,” co-host Braith Anasta said to initiate the discussion.

“Melbourne did not have a sufficient player to replace Zac Lomax.

“There’s other clubs over the next 12 months that I guarantee you one of them will have a player that Parramatta will go, you know what? He’s going to help and benefit our team.”

It was at this time that Gorden Tallis pointed out that Burton, who has recently been linked to the Perth Bears and exit from the Belmore-based side, would be the ideal player to negotiate for.

Ready BLOWS UP over Zac Lomax saga | 11:48

“I actually think that’s a really good swap,” Brent Read said.

The proposal came after the panel discussed Lomax’s future, following his recent sighting outside of Rugby Australia’s headquarters, where it is understood he held preliminary talks with them.

“It’s pretty clear there are no rugby league clubs interested in Zac Lomax from what I understand. There’s no one who’s put their hand up to sign him even the Perth Bears,” Read said.

“He’s a big star but he also comes with baggage. We all know the baggage Zac brings…(but) it’s a blow to rugby league that we lose a player of that talent.

“He’ll spend 12 months in rugby union.”