The Parramatta Eels have officially commenced legal proceedings against released former player Zac Lomax as the NSW Blues representative attempts to return to the NRL ahead of the 2026 season.
In a club statement on Thursday, the Eels confirmed that they have approached the New South Wales Supreme Court to help resolve a dispute between them and Lomax’s legal team.
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“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,” Eels Chairman Matthew Beach said in a club statement.
After requesting a release from the Eels at the end of last year, which was subsequently granted to him, Lomax has found himself linked with a move to the Melbourne Storm over the past few weeks.
However, 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 Eels.
While he is able to pursue opportunities outside of the NRL, the condition was put in to safeguard the club.
“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,” Beach added.
“Zac had legal representation during the negotiations of his release. Zac accepted those conditions on the basis that he told us that his interests were focused on pursuing opportunities with rugby union, particularly R360. The release documentation was registered with the NRL. The NRL are aware of the conditions associated with the release.
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“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 in order to ensure that there is fair dealing. The same applies to the NRL, clubs and players.
“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. The guiding position of our Club has been to ensure a fair exchange of value for our football program in circumstances where the Storm are attempting to obtain the benefit.”
Beach went on to say in the statement that Eels are willing to let Lomax play in 2026 for another team, but they will be required to provide adequate compensation to the club.
Earlier this month, reports emerged that the club had identified Jack Howarth, Stefano Utoikamanu and Xavier Coates as potential options in a player swap.
“Our coaching staff, players, members and fans would not expect us to consent to the release based on what has been offered, and therefore we have no alternative but to pursue legal action to enforce the terms of the release and protect the rights of our club,” he later added.
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