Sources confirmed the NRL is prepared to intervene if the Eels are not prepared to budge and entertain any \u201creasonable offers\u201d by the Storm, or any rival club in the market for the 26-year-old.<\/p>\n
Lomax is a NSW Origin representative, was a part of the initial Kangaroos Ashes squad and the NRL does not want to lose a player of his calibre if it is possible to keep him.<\/p>\n
Neither the Eels nor Lomax want a reunion. Since losing Lomax, Parramatta have signed Brian Kelly from the Gold Coast.<\/p>\n
The NRL was contacted for comment, while the Eels and Storm said there had been no fresh developments on Monday. Lomax\u2019s lawyer, Ramy Qutami, also declined to comment.<\/p>\n
Some rival clubs made it clear during a phone hook-up of CEOs last Wednesday that they wanted the NRL to back Parramatta\u2019s hardline stance on Lomax. During that meeting Storm chief executive Justin Rodski was forced to defend the club\u2019s pursuit of the star outside back.<\/p>\n
Lomax, who posted a photo of himself at what appeared to be a Melbourne Renegades Big Bash game over the weekend, has been trying to remain in tip-top physical shape while awaiting an outcome.<\/p>\n
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Any deal put forward by the Storm will be longer than one season. Lomax\u2019s ability to play several positions in the back line has appeal, and he adds depth to a squad that includes winger Will Warbrick (who struggled with concussion symptoms for most of last season) and young No.1 Sua Faalogo (who is likely to need a physical and mental rest at some stage during the campaign).<\/p>\n
Lomax\u2019s management confirmed on a podcast late last week that ARL Commission chairman Peter V\u2019landys was happy to welcome Lomax back to the NRL, and the threat of 10-year bans did not apply because the NSW Origin representative never signed a deal with R360.<\/p>\n