The Zac Lomax Contract Saga Takes a Surprising Turn
The Parramatta Eels have taken legal action against their former star player, Zac Lomax, as the former Eels star continues to attempt to break a contract. The Australian Test winger walked out on the final three years of his Eels contract over the off-season, seeking a lucrative deal with R360. However, after his proposed move to the rebel rugby competition was delayed due to its start date being pushed back to 2028, he has since been seeking a return to the NRL.
The major issue for the 26-year-old is that Parramatta coach Jason Ryles doesn't want him back in the blue and yellow, and the club has been unwilling to allow him to negotiate with another NRL club for three years, as per the terms of his release. Despite ongoing talks, negotiations broke down this week, even as the NRL attempted to mediate a deal between Parramatta and Melbourne Storm, who are desperate to sign a marquee player after an exodus of stars.
The situation has now taken a turn for the worse, with the Eels commencing legal action against their former star. The matter is set to be heard in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday afternoon. Lomax has hired top lawyer Ramy Qutami to represent him, while the Eels will be represented by Arthur Moses.
In a statement on Thursday, Parramatta Eels Chairman Matthew Beach expressed disappointment at the situation. He stated, 'It is disappointing that we have reached this position, but we have an obligation to the Club's stakeholders to protect the contractual rights of our Club and the expectation of our Members, players, and supporters that contracts will be honoured.'
Beach continued, 'Back in November 2025, we granted Zac Lomax's request for a release to pursue opportunities outside the NRL on the condition that he would not return to the NRL during the period of his original playing contract with our Club, without our written consent.'
'Zac had legal representation during the negotiations of his release. He accepted those conditions, as he told us his interests were focused on pursuing opportunities with rugby union, particularly R360. The release documentation was registered with the NRL, who are aware of the conditions associated with the release.'
The Eels believe in the importance of observing contractual obligations, as contracts provide certainty and a framework of rules for clubs and players. Beach emphasized, 'Our Club believes in the importance of observing contractual obligations. Contracts allow Clubs and players to operate with certainty and within a framework of rules. Contracts are the very stuff that any member of the community and companies have to honour to ensure fair dealing. The same applies to the NRL, Clubs, and players.'
When approached by Melbourne Storm, the Eels engaged in good faith but were unable to reach an agreement that would represent sufficient value for their Club, particularly in relation to their football program. Beach stated, 'Late last year, when we were approached by Melbourne Storm, we engaged with them in good faith, however, we have not been able to come to an agreement that would represent sufficient value for our Club, particularly in relation to our football program.'
'Zac and his agent still have an opportunity to work with us to explore options with the other 16 NRL clubs. Notwithstanding this action, we remain open to discussions with any Club who may be willing to offer the appropriate value for our football program.'
The Storm are understood to have offered Parramatta around $200,000 in compensation to sign Lomax. However, the Eels have pushed back, stating they will only agree to let him leave if they receive a player in return. Parramatta wants either Jack Howarth, Xavier Coates, or Stefano Utoikamanu.
Yet the Storm are not willing to let any of the trio go. As a result, the NRL is prepared to intervene if the Eels don't accept any 'reasonable offers'. Given the Bulldogs' payment of $165,000 to the Wests Tigers for Lachie Galvin's mid-season arrival, a figure around $200,000 is likely deemed 'reasonable'.
However, financial compensation doesn't help the Eels in the open market or salary-cap-wise. It only assists with football operations and pathway programs. So, with no deal able to be reached with the Storm, the Eels have now launched legal proceedings to ensure Lomax sticks to the agreement.
