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<\/p>\nParramatta Eels have got their hands on emails sent by the lawyer of former winger Zac Lomax, but cannot \u2014 for now \u2014 see nine emails sent to his player’s agent.<\/p>\n
The documents were provided to the four-time NRL premiers as part of their bid to stop the NSW State of Origin star jumping ship to rivals Melbourne Storm.<\/p>\n
The 26-year-old was granted a release from his four-year contract at the end of last season to pursue a contract with the rugby union competition R360, only for that competition to fall over.<\/p>\n
As preparations were made for an urgent two-day hearing in the NSW Supreme Court weeks out from the 2026 season, Lomax’s barrister told the court that subpoenaed documents from Lomax’s solicitor, Ramy Qutami, about the player’s exit were being provided to the Eels.<\/p>\n
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Zac Lomax asked for an early release from Parramatta in an effort to link up with R360.\u00a0 (AAP Image:Joel Carrett)<\/p>\n
A claim of legal privilege has been made over nine emails between Qutami and Lomax’s agent, Clinton Schifcofske, however, preventing their release unless the court makes a further order.<\/p>\n
Melbourne Storm was granted extra time to return documents related to its courting of Lomax, having initially been required to return by today.<\/p>\n
The club now has until Monday.<\/p>\n
Highlighting the rush to prepare for the February 12 and 13 hearing, Lomax’s side was already “deep in our preparations” for evidence to be called by their witnesses, Adam Casselden SC said.<\/p>\n
A further directions hearing will be held on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The Eels are expected to serve written submissions two days later, with Lomax’s due on February 10.<\/p>\n
Parramatta’s high-profile barrister Arthur Moses SC last week said the anticipated key issue would be whether the condition restraining Lomax from playing for other clubs was valid and enforceable.<\/p>\n
Whether Parramatta will claim Lomax made misleading statements before securing his release for the R360 competition remains to be seen.<\/p>\n
Top brass at the club have previously said the legal action was triggered by a stalemate in mediation talks with Lomax and the Storm.<\/p>\n
After the postponement of the R360 competition, the former St George Illawarra star became an obvious target for Melbourne, which has farewelled Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona since its grand final loss to Brisbane.<\/p>\n