Eels, Lomax rift deepens as club launches legal action

The rift between the Parramatta Eels and Zac Lomax has deepened as the Eels launch legal action against their former star winger.

Lomax was released one year into a four-year deal with the Eels at the end of 2025 in order to pursue an opportunity with R360.

A condition of the release was Lomax could not return to the NRL until after his deal would have been completed. Lomax agreed and was subsequently released, however, the delay of the R360 competition cast doubt over his future.

The Melbourne Storm appeared as a potential landing spot for Lomax, offering Parramatta significant financial compensation to allow him to return, which the Eels refused.

Mediation talks have broken down between the Eels and Lomax on Thursday, leading Parramatta to launch legal action against the NSW representative.

The matter will be heard in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday, with the Eels to be represented by Arthur Moses while Lomax hired top lawyer Ramy Qutami.

"The Parramatta Eels have today commenced legal proceedings against Zac Lomax. The purpose of the proceedings is to enforce the release agreed in November 2025," a Parramatta club statement reads.

"We have endeavoured to resolve this by negotiations. This has included a formal independent mediation process with Zac Lomax and his legal team and representatives of the Melbourne Storm. However, no deal has been reached.

"Zac’s legal team have informed us in writing that he does not agree that the terms of the release can be enforced against him. Regrettably, we have been left with no alternative, but to approach the NSW Supreme Court to resolve this issue."

Per the Eels, Lomax requested a release in late July / early August to pursue opportunities within rugby union, specifically with R360.

The Eels agreed on the basis Lomax could not join another NRL club before October 31, 2028 without their express written consent. Lomax agreed to that condition.

"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.

"Our Club believes in the importance of observing contractual obligations... 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.

"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."

The Eels would be willing to allow Lomax to return in exchange for one of Xavier Coates, Stefano Utoikamanu, or Jack Howarth, however, the Storm are unlikely to agree.

In recent days, Peter V'Landys reportedly was prepared to step in and make the Eels accept a 'reasonable' deal from the Storm, or another club, in order to allow Lomax to return.

The Eels and Storm play each other in Round 1.