Leaked texts reveals Storm's intent on signing Lomax

Leaked texts from Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski reveal attempts by the Storm to have the NRL pressure Parramatta into releasing Zac Lomax so he could be available to play for the club in 2026.

It has since been alleged by News Corp that Rodski had messaged NRL CEO Andrew Abdo about the situation, showing the extent to which the club has pushed to get Lomax into the club.

They say that Rodski asked if the NRL could apply the "blow torch" on Parramatta to get him in the squad.

“Hi Andrew, not getting anywhere at this point, can you apply the blow torch on Parramatta to get this done,” it reportedly says.

This was then allegedly followed by saying that it is in the league's interest to help the club get the move across the line.

“Lomax staying in the NRL is obviously a win for the game."

The NSW representative is scheduled to have a court case with the Eels as a result of the fallout from him requesting a release and an attempted poach by the Storm, Lomax is in NRL purgatory as he awaits his fate.

He was originally scheduled to appear in court against his former club this week, but the hearing has now been pushed back to March 2, with the NSW Supreme Court expecting a five-day hearing, meaning he cannot be involved in the March 5 clash.

So far, all offers from the Storm have been rejected by the Eels.

Initially, Lomax had asked for a release in order to defect to the R360 rebel league, but given the delay in it getting off the ground, other avenues have been explored.

The Eels agreed to the release on the condition their star did not negotiate with other NRL clubs – hence the legal proceedings.

Nonetheless, the Storm remain adamant they want his signature.

“The vast majority of people are disappointed with that we have to go to court, but we'd love Zach at our football club,” Storm CEO Frank Ponissi told SEN.

“We've got space in our cap, we've got a space on our list, so it would be a wonderful opportunity, but we've trained the whole pre-season without Zac Lomax.

“If the result comes Zach's way in a couple of weeks, he can play, it'll be a fantastic bonus for us, which they're excited about.

“If he can't, we've prepared without him, so, it would be disappointing, but you know, certainly there's not much we can do about it at this stage.”

Echoing Ponissi’s sentiments, Craig Bellamy is keen to see his squad bolstered.

“You’d probably have to ask guys higher up than me,” Bellamy said.

“I don’t know what’s happening there at the moment. It changes and then it doesn’t change, so I don’t know.

“I’m hopeful (that he’ll be in a Storm jersey) and we’d love to see him here, but I don’t know what’s going on there.”