Parramatta’s Stance: A Firm Stand in the Zac Lomax Saga
The intricate saga surrounding Zac Lomax’s potential move from the Parramatta Eels has finally reached a resolution, albeit through an out-of-court settlement. Parramatta has asserted its right to refuse being “steamrolled” in negotiations, particularly after rejecting a substantial $750,000 transfer fee offer. The drama also involved a failed attempt to offload player Ryan Matterson to the Melbourne Storm, adding layers of complexity to the situation.
The agreement, struck on Tuesday, sees Melbourne effectively contribute $250,000 towards Parramatta’s legal expenses. This financial contribution is tied to Lomax being permitted to return to the NRL in 2028, a full twelve months earlier than originally stipulated in his release agreement with the Eels.
Sources close to the matter, speaking anonymously due to commercial sensitivities, revealed that the Storm had initially agreed to sign Ryan Matterson as a strategic move to break the deadlock. This proposed deal, according to informed individuals, involved the Storm covering the remaining portion of Matterson’s 2026 contract, valued at approximately $416,000 on the salary cap. Additionally, Melbourne was prepared to offer a further $300,000 in cash to the Eels. Under this arrangement, Lomax would have made his Storm debut later in the season, as the Storm lacked the immediate salary cap flexibility to accommodate both Matterson and Lomax’s full financial obligations.
However, this proposed solution unravelled when Ryan Matterson, whose future in the sport has been uncertain due to concussion symptoms, decided against transferring to Melbourne. The Storm’s earlier offer of a $750,000 transfer fee for Lomax was ultimately rejected by Parramatta, as it did not align with the club’s objective of strengthening its football department.
“Frankly, for us this was never about Zac not playing in the NRL,” stated Parramatta Chief Executive Jim Sarantinos, following the resolution of the court dispute. “This was always about doing it in the right way. And we’re completely open to working with Zac and his agent, whereby if they find a home and that results in the right football outcome for us, we won’t stand in the way of that deal.” Sarantinos emphasised the club’s resolve, adding, “I think we’ve demonstrated through this process we’re not going to be steamrolled.”
Parramatta had previously initiated legal proceedings to prevent Lomax from joining the Storm, citing that his release from a four-year contract was contingent on the Eels’ written consent. Lomax had been granted a release to join the rebel rugby competition R360. However, his plans were thrown into disarray when the competition’s inaugural season was postponed until 2028.
The Eels felt compelled to pursue legal action after Melbourne attempted to sign Lomax without adhering to the terms of his release agreement. Negotiations eventually commenced, but a deal could not be finalised before the matter was scheduled for a court hearing.
Parramatta Chairman Matthew Beach acknowledged the Storm’s position, stating, “The Storm … were open with us, they’ve had a lot of changes to their club and they needed a player. As we said to the Storm, ‘Congratulations, you got to the front of the queue.’ Nothing against that.” Beach added, “It would have been better to know it earlier on, rather than sort of the deal looked like they were pretty pregnant with it by the time we got approached, which made it harder.”
The Eels remain open to facilitating a deal with the Storm or any other club, provided they can secure an adequate replacement for Lomax. “This was all about fighting what we felt was right, irrespective of what the other counterparties were looking for,” Sarantinos reiterated.
Alternative Avenues: Rugby Union and International Prospects
While the NRL chapter of the Lomax saga has reached a temporary close, Rugby Australia continues to explore potential avenues for the talented winger. Informed sources indicate that the Western Force in the Super Rugby competition has maintained its interest, having previously tabled a contract offer of $250,000 per year.
Lomax’s experience in rugby union is limited, with his last involvement being at primary school level in Temora. A transition to the sport would present a significant learning curve, especially considering the Force is already three rounds into their Super Rugby season.
The financial rewards for Lomax in rugby union could increase substantially with the prospect of Wallabies selection. While lucrative short-term opportunities might exist in Japan or France, Lomax’s relative inexperience in the 15-a-side game could pose a challenge for clubs in those markets.
The Lingering Rivalry
The resolution of the legal dispute is unlikely to diminish the intensity of the upcoming opening-round clash between Parramatta and Melbourne on Thursday. “It’s a bit of rugby league poetry, isn’t it?” Sarantinos remarked, suggesting that a victory in Melbourne would be “a nice way to wrap this whole thing up.”
Melbourne Storm Chairman Matt Tripp issued a statement acknowledging Parramatta’s stance and the conclusion of the matter. “We are disappointed for Zac and for the game of rugby league. Zac is a star player and quality person who will now remain on the sidelines until 2028,” Tripp stated. He added, “We hope to see Zac return to the NRL in the coming years and haven’t ruled out the prospect of Zac playing for the Melbourne Storm in the future.” Tripp concluded by commending Lomax’s conduct throughout the protracted process, wishing him “every success in whatever he decides to do in the coming years.”
