The Zac Lomax contract saga has taken a dramatic turn, with the Parramatta Eels issuing a subpoena to the National Rugby League (NRL) in a bid to unravel the circumstances surrounding the star winger’s attempted move to the Melbourne Storm. The legal battle centers on the conditions of Lomax’s release from his Parramatta contract and whether he was permitted to explore opportunities with other NRL clubs, particularly after the collapse of the rebel rugby league competition, R360.
The Eels are seeking documents detailing the NRL’s involvement in the matter, specifically any communication between the league and the Storm regarding Lomax’s potential signing. This action suggests Parramatta believes the NRL may have favored Melbourne in the dispute, a claim that has intensified following the surfacing of text messages allegedly sent by Storm CEO Justin Rodski to NRL CEO Andrew Abdo. The core of the dispute revolves around whether Lomax was truly free to negotiate with other NRL teams after his release was predicated on not doing so.
According to documents tendered to the Supreme Court, Rodski allegedly texted Abdo, requesting the league to “apply the blowtorch” to Parramatta to facilitate Lomax’s transfer to Melbourne. Rodski reportedly argued that keeping Lomax within the NRL was “a win for the game,” as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald. This alleged communication forms a key part of the Eels’ argument that the NRL was not impartial in the process.
The subpoena requires the NRL to provide relevant materials to the court by Friday, a significantly shorter timeframe than the typical two-week compliance period. A legal argument regarding the admissibility of these documents is scheduled for Monday, ahead of next week’s full court hearing. A key element of that hearing will be the in-person testimony of Melbourne Storm chairman Matt Tripp, who is currently in Las Vegas and will not return until March 11th, delaying the case until March 13th.
Parramatta’s legal counsel, Arthur Moses QC, has characterized Tripp as central to the Storm’s pursuit of Lomax. Moses stated, according to Fox Sports, “He is the one who of course who made the initial contact with Parramatta in respect of Lomax going across to the Storm… He is a strategist behind the matter – he is not a witness.” The Eels argue that an in-person cross-examination of Tripp is crucial to uncovering the full extent of the Storm’s efforts to secure Lomax’s signature.
The timing of the court case is particularly challenging for the Melbourne Storm, who are already grappling with an outside back crisis. Xavier Coates is sidelined for two months, and the club has recently lost Ryan Papenhuyzen and Grant Anderson. This leaves either Hugo Peel or Moses Leo vying for Coates’ vacated left wing position ahead of their Round 1 clash against the Eels.
If Lomax were to eventually sign with Melbourne, the earliest he would be eligible to play is Round 3, given the March 13th court date coincides with the Storm’s Round 2 match against the Dragons. However, even that timeline is considered optimistic, depending on the outcome of the legal proceedings.
The situation arose after Lomax was granted a release from his four-year contract with Parramatta to join the now-postponed R360 competition. ESPN reports that R360 delayed its inaugural season until 2028 due to failing to meet key requirements for funding and infrastructure. This left Lomax without a team and opened the door for the Storm’s pursuit.
The Eels initially allowed Lomax to leave with the understanding he would not join another NRL club. The legal battle now hinges on whether that condition remains enforceable, and whether the NRL acted appropriately in its dealings with both clubs. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for player contract negotiations and the power dynamics between clubs and the league.
As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the evidence presented in court and the testimony of key figures like Matt Tripp. The NRL’s response to the subpoena and its explanation of its involvement will too be closely scrutinized. The resolution of this dispute will not only determine Lomax’s future but also shed light on the integrity of the NRL’s player transfer processes.
What comes next is the NRL’s response to the subpoena and the admissibility hearing on Monday. The full court hearing on March 13th will be pivotal in determining Lomax’s fate and the extent of the NRL’s involvement. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.
