Parramatta has accused the Melbourne Storm of asking the NRL to “apply the blowtorch” in an attempt to resolve the Eels’ contract impasse with star winger Zac Lomax, court documents reveal.
The Eels and Lomax are heading for a showdown in the NSW Supreme Court next month as Parramatta attempts to enforce the terms of the NSW Origin star’s release and block him signing with the Storm without their written consent.
Parramatta granted Lomax a release from his $700,000-a-year contract one season into a four-year deal so he could chase an opportunity with the rebel global 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.
But when R360 failed to launch, Lomax was left in contract limbo and he attempted to sign with the Storm as early as December, according to documents released by the court.
The Eels included in their deed of release a clause that during his contract period – up until October 31, 2028 – Lomax could not sign with another NRL club without their written consent.
The documents detail the negotiations between the Storm and Eels, including on January 2 when Melbourne chairman Matt Tripp refused to entertain a player swap proposed by the Eels.
Mr Tripp proposed a $100,000 transfer fee, which was upped to $200,000 a day later.
The Eels allege in the court documents that in a phone call to Parramatta chair Matt Beach, Tripp “referred to the possibility of punitive steps being taken by the NRL against the Parramatta Eels in relation to its salary cap” if they did not consent to Lomax signing with the Storm.
The Eels allege that it was an attempt to “put pressure” on the club.
The Eels have further alleged that on January 21, Storm chief executive Justin Rodski texted NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo, saying: “Hi Andrew, not getting anywhere at this point, can you apply the blowtorch on Parramatta to get this done.”
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!!
According to the court documents, the message further read: “Lomax staying in the NRL is obviously a win for the game.”
The Eels argued in the court documents: “This message was an attempt to use the NRL to place pressure on the Parramatta Eels to resolve the matter on terms acceptable to the Melbourne Storm.”
The club says that it wrote to Abdo on January 22 asking if sanctions would be imposed on the club if it did not agree to Lomax’s transfer.
It says that minutes later Abdo replied that the governing body had not made such claims to the Storm.
Lomax’s lawyers claim the Eels breached the deed of release by unreasonably withholding their consent to Lomax joining the Storm.
They say that the Eels sought “unreasonable and unrealistic” transfer fees during negotiations with the Storm, documents released by the Supreme Court state.
According to the court documents, the Storm made an offer of $300,000, with $211,000 to be in the form of salary cap relief and the remaining $89,000 to come in the form of a transfer fee.
MORE LOMAX NEWS
‘UNUSUAL CASE’: NRL weighs up contract changes amid messy Lomax saga
‘LOVE HIM HERE’: Bellamy ‘hopeful’ of Lomax arrival
Parramatta said that in about August last year, Lomax informed the Eels he was going to accept a deal to play for R360.
He formally requested a release on October 1 and, after negotiations, they entered a deed of release the following month.
They say that on Christmas Eve last year, the Storm and Lomax reached an in-principle, non-binding agreement for his services for the 2026 season.
According to the court documents, Lomax messaged Storm stars Harry Grant and Cameron Munster that day.
The following week the Storm made Parramatta aware that they were in negotiations with Lomax.
And in January, Lomax’s solicitor Ramy Qutami sent the Eels a letter claiming that the deed of release was unenforceable, Parramatta alleged in the court documents.
The Storm has agreed to pay Lomax’s legal fees for the proceedings.
The Eels are seeking an order restraining Lomax from signing with the Storm, or any other club before October 31, 2028, without the club’s consent.
The matter will come before Justice Francois Kunc for a five-day hearing starting on March 2.
The timing of the hearing means that Lomax’s hopes of turning out for the Storm in their season opener against Parramatta appear to have been scuppered.
His only hope of turning out for Melbourne in round 1 is if the Storm and Eels reach an agreement.
Discussion about this post