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<\/p>\nThe Rugby League Players Association has weighed in on Zac Lomax\u2019s contract saga, urging clubs against tapping players on the shoulder to force them into a move.<\/p>\n
In November Lomax was granted an early release from his Eels deal with three years left to run in the hope of joining R360, with that competition then being delayed for two seasons.<\/p>\n
Now the Storm are interested in the gun winger\u2019s services, but his Parramatta exit came with conditions \u2014 he is not to play for another NRL team until 2029 unless Parramatta agree.<\/p>\n
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The only place to stream every match of the 2025\/26 KFC BBL LIVE is on FOX CRICKET, available on Kayo Sports. | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n The Eels made it clear they want compensation for Lomax\u2019s move to the Storm to take place, naming Xavier Coates, Stefano Utoikamanu or Jack Howarth as the players they would accept.<\/p>\n However, RLPA chief executive Clint Newton urged the clubs involved avoid pressuring any player into a move.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not going to get caught up in whatever matters are included in the contract,\u201d Newton said to the SMH.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s for them to obviously work through and hopefully resolve. However, we certainly wouldn\u2019t be supportive of anyone entering into some sort of horse-trading type situation, where it\u2019s on the condition of player X or player Y going to Parramatta.<\/p>\n Zac Lomax could be on the move.Source: Supplied Source Known<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not something that we would encourage or support.<\/p>\n \u201cPlayers who have existing contracts have every right to be able to see out their futures at the club they signed the contract with.<\/p>\n \u201cMelbourne are very much aware of that, and I certainly believe that they\u2019ll honour and respect that process.\u201d<\/p>\n Newtown, meanwhile, remained confident the two clubs can come to a solution that benefits both parties.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want the best athletes playing our game,\u201d Newton said.<\/p>\n \u201cZac is obviously a tremendous athlete and someone that we want to keep in rugby league. So really it\u2019s just about all parties reaching an agreement, which hopefully they will.\u201d<\/p>\n Asofa-Solomona v Latimore: Highlights | 04:46<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n EVERY CLUB\u2019S BEST 17: Broncos halves call leaves casualty; Roosters DCE dilemma<\/a><\/p>\n \u2018BRINGS UNPREDICTABILITY\u2019: PVL backs tactical kick-off change to grow game<\/a><\/p>\n