Finding a resolution in Zac Lomax’s ugly contract saga has been labelled a “near impossible task” with both Luke Keary and Paul Crawley defending the Eels’ legal action decision.
Parramatta commenced legal proceedings against their former player last week, with Lomax desperate to return to the NRL ahead of the 2026 season.
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.
WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
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 condition of his release is that he cannot join another NRL club until after 31 October 2028 without the consent of his former club.
The Storm have made it clear they are interested in Lomax’s 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.
For Fox League’s Paul Crawley, there’s “no way in the world” that the Eels should back down and allow Lomax to wear the famous purple jersey.
“I think it’s outrageous from Zac Lomax to expect to get straight back into the NRL, I can’t see how he has a legal leg to stand on,” Crawley said on the Kayo Sports NRL podcast.
“He 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.
“Lasted 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.
“With legal representation he sat down with the club, he agreed to the terms of a release and one said he wasn’t to play in the NRL with another club until the end of 2028 unless it was with Parramatta’s permission.
“Now, when R360 falls over, suddenly the Storm want to pick him up and Parramatta are expected to fall over and say ‘no worries’. No way in the world.”
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.
Sharks are ‘Prime’ for 2026 Premiership | 04:38
Get all the latest news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports NRL Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
“Melbourne are at no fault here, obviously Zac’s openly shopping (himself) around and they’ve lost Eli Katoa for the year, there’s obviously a spot there,” Keary said.
“But I applaud Parramatta, doing the best thing for themself, their club, their team, their members and fans. To stand firm on what they said.
“The conversation with Jason and the CEO at Parramatta would have been totally different if he went to them in July and said ‘I want to leave and go to Melbourne’.
“There’s no way they would have released him one year into four years.”
So what would the Eels accept in return for allowing Lomax to play for the Storm?
“The word fair and reasonable keeps coming up… it’s going to be subjective, what do Parramatta think he’s worth? What do Melbourne think he’s worth?” Keary said.
“But 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.
“Or they say he’s not worth money, we want a player.”
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.
For Keary, there’s one obvious trade in that list — but the Storm would be incredibly unwilling to let him go.
“Xavier Coates is the logical one right, because Zac is probably the best winger in the competition right now,” Keary said.
‘Sandon Smith MUST be there 7!’ | 06:12
MORE NRL NEWS
CRAWLS: Moses move that puts rivals on alert; awkward issue no one will talk about
LUAI Q AND A: Star’s shock revelation from Tigers teammate… and Benji ‘eye-opener’
UNDER PRESSURE STARS: Question Dogs must answer; Truth Roosters can’t deny
‘WON’T BE A NEED FOR US’: Sharks star’s big warning to NRL after rule changes
“State of Origin winger, would have played for Australia. Gave up the jersey to go to rugby.”
But there’s one big stumbling block when it comes to a player trade — all parties have to agree, with Paul Crawley stating that trio “might not want to leave” Melbourne.
“You can’t be forced out, a player at Melbourne would have to agree and say ‘yes I am willing to move’,” Keary added.
“It has to be agreed on by all four parties.”
Fox League’s Lara Pitt then said: “It’s going to be a near impossible task”.
Crawley also revealed the Eels have already sat down with Lomax and his management in the hopes of striking a deal, which was unable to be sorted.
And after the announcement of Parramatta’s legal decision, the club have been met with widespread praise for standing firm.
Even despite the one criticism that has been floated.
“People say well Parramatta agreed to release him, but they were pushed into that position. If Jason Ryles has a player come to him and say ‘I want out’, what is he meant to say?” Crawley said.
“They had to move forward. But now they have an obligation to their club and fans to stand firm on this.
“It would surprise me if the NRL got involved in this and tried to push for some resolution, it’s none of their business. It’s a deal that was made between Parramatta and Zac Lomax.
“He went into it with eyes wide open.”
Crawley also urged the NRL to sit out and instead let the legal process take its due course.
“When I read the NRL was trying to not out a resolution here I though ‘you’re picking the wrong fight here’,” he said.
“If Zac Lomax has a problem, he should be taking it up with his management, not Parramatta… it’s not Parramatta’s fault.”