There has been another twist in the NRL transfer saga surrounding Australian international Zac Lomax with former club Parramatta Eels taking legal action against the winger.
It’s a major call by the Eels but one that they have taken in a bid to protect themselves following their decision to grant Lomax a release back in November.
The New South Wales representative signed for Parramatta ahead of the 2025 season but requested a release just a few months into his four-year deal.
At the time, there was heavy speculation that Lomax was destined for the breakaway rugby union competition R360, however, that competition has delayed their launch and instead, Lomax has started to be linked with a switch to NRL club Melbourne Storm.
In a lengthy statement that confirms legal action against their former player, the Eels have confirmed conversations have taken place with the Storm but reiterated their stance, outlined in the terms of Lomax’s release, that the winger cannot sign with a rival NRL club before the 2029 season without their consent.
Despite that, Lomax’s legal team believe that contract cannot be enforced, leading Parramatta to approach the New South Wales Supreme Court to resolve the issue.
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NRL star faces legal action from former club
It’s quite a spectacular course of action but Parramatta’s statement makes clear the terms of Lomax’s release, specifically that he couldn’t sign for another NRL club without their own approval.
The Eels state: “In late July / early August, Zac requested a release from his playing contract with the Parramatta Eels to pursue opportunities outside the NRL. After a period of negotiation with Zac and his lawyers, the Parramatta Eels agreed to the terms of a release for Zac to pursue opportunities outside of the NRL. As part of the release granted on 16 November 2025, the Parramatta Eels included conditions to safeguard the Club.
“One of those conditions was that Zac could not join another NRL Club before 31 October 2028 without our express written consent.”
They confirm that Lomax agreed to that condition after receiving legal advice, however, his legal team now informed Parramatta in writing that he “does not agree that the terms of the release can be enforced against him”, thus prompting legal intervention.
In respect to Lomax’s current negotiations with Melbourne, the Eels’ chairman Matthew Beach said: “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.”
As it stands, with the legal action pending, it seems impossible for any deal between Lomax and Melbourne Storm to go through, meaning the player is left in limbo just weeks ahead of the NRL season start.
The Parramatta Eels have provided an update on Zac Lomax.
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— Parramatta Eels (@TheParraEels) January 22, 2026
