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<\/p>\nFinding a resolution in Zac Lomax\u2019s ugly contract saga has been labelled a \u201cnear impossible task\u201d with both Luke Keary and Paul Crawley defending the Eels\u2019 legal action decision.<\/p>\n
Parramatta commenced legal proceedings against their former player last week, with Lomax desperate to return to the NRL ahead of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n
That move came after the Origin flyer was granted a release from his Eels contract after only one-year of a four-year deal, eyeing off a move to rebel rugby union competition R360.<\/p>\n
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Watch the 2026 NRL Pre-season series plus the All-Star matches LIVE and ad-break free during play on FOX LEAGUE, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1<\/a>.<\/p>\n A condition of his release is that he cannot join another NRL club until after 31 October 2028 without the consent of his former club.<\/p>\n The Storm have made it clear they are interested in Lomax\u2019s services, but no deal has been able to be brokered between the clubs, with the Eels not budging on their stance they deserve fair compensation for losing an elite player.<\/p>\n For Fox League\u2019s Paul Crawley, there\u2019s \u201cno way in the world\u201d that the Eels should back down and allow Lomax to wear the famous purple jersey.<\/p>\n \u201cI think it\u2019s outrageous from Zac Lomax to expect to get straight back into the NRL, I can\u2019t see how he has a legal leg to stand on,\u201d Crawley said on the Kayo Sports NRL podcast.<\/p>\n \u201cHe went into an agreement with Parramatta, firstly he got out of his contract at St George Illawarra, went to Parramatta and signed a four-year deal.<\/p>\n \u201cLasted one season, I think it was last July he went to the club and said he wanted to take up an opportunity outside of rugby league in R360.<\/p>\n \u201cWith legal representation he sat down with the club, he agreed to the terms of a release and one said he wasn\u2019t to play in the NRL with another club until the end of 2028 unless it was with Parramatta\u2019s permission.<\/p>\n \u201cNow, when R360 falls over, suddenly the Storm want to pick him up and Parramatta are expected to fall over and say \u2018no worries\u2019. No way in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n Former premiership-winning playmaker Luke Keary agreed, but he also explained he holds the belief the Storm are also not at fault during this process.<\/p>\n Sharks are ‘Prime’ for 2026 Premiership | 04:38<\/p>\n Get all the latest news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports NRL Sportmail. Sign up now!!! <\/a><\/p>\n \u201cMelbourne are at no fault here, obviously Zac\u2019s openly shopping (himself) around and they\u2019ve lost Eli Katoa for the year, there\u2019s obviously a spot there,\u201d Keary said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut I applaud Parramatta, doing the best thing for themself, their club, their team, their members and fans. To stand firm on what they said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe conversation with Jason and the CEO at Parramatta would have been totally different if he went to them in July and said \u2018I want to leave and go to Melbourne\u2019.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s no way they would have released him one year into four years.\u201d<\/p>\n So what would the Eels accept in return for allowing Lomax to play for the Storm?<\/p>\n \u201cThe word fair and reasonable keeps coming up… it\u2019s going to be subjective, what do Parramatta think he\u2019s worth? What do Melbourne think he\u2019s worth?\u201d Keary said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut it should be on Parramatta to go we think Zac is worth, could be $500,000, it could be $1 million. If someone wants to buy him, they come get him.<\/p>\n \u201cOr they say he\u2019s not worth money, we want a player.\u201d<\/p>\n A three-player wishlist was previously revealed, with Parramatta officials happy to accept Xavier Coates, Stefano Utoikamanu or Jack Howarth in return for their former star.<\/p>\n For Keary, there\u2019s one obvious trade in that list \u2014 but the Storm would be incredibly unwilling to let him go.<\/p>\n \u201cXavier Coates is the logical one right, because Zac is probably the best winger in the competition right now,\u201d Keary said.<\/p>\n ‘Sandon Smith MUST be there 7!’ | 06:12<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n CRAWLS: Moses move that puts rivals on alert; awkward issue no one will talk about<\/a><\/p>\n LUAI Q AND A: Star\u2019s shock revelation from Tigers teammate… and Benji \u2018eye-opener\u2019<\/a><\/p>\n UNDER PRESSURE STARS: Question Dogs must answer; Truth Roosters can\u2019t deny<\/a><\/p>\n