Zac Lomax has resolved his legal dispute with the Parramatta Eels and subsequently signed a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and Super Rugby Pacific club Western Force, effective immediately. The settlement in the NSW Supreme Court concluded negotiations surrounding Lomax's conditional release from the Eels, which had initially prevented him from joining a rival NRL club without permission.
Background to the Dispute
Zac Lomax was released by the Parramatta Eels from the final three years of his four-year contract at the end of the previous season. This release was granted with the understanding that Lomax intended to join the R360 rugby union competition.
A key condition of this release stipulated that Lomax could not sign with another NRL club until October 31, 2028, without the Eels' written consent.
The release documentation, including these conditions, was registered with the National Rugby League (NRL).
The launch of the R360 competition was subsequently postponed from October 2026 to 2028, leaving Lomax without a club for the 2026 season. Lomax had previously forfeited significant contracts with the Eels ($700,000 annually) and the Dragons ($850,000 annually) in pursuit of new opportunities.
Melbourne Storm Negotiations and Legal Action
Following the R360 postponement, the Melbourne Storm expressed interest in acquiring Lomax for the 2026 NRL season. The Eels initially rejected Melbourne's approaches, citing the terms of Lomax's existing release and seeking an "appropriate exchange of value" for his transfer.
Negotiations between the two clubs involved various offers from the Storm, including monetary compensation of $100,000, $200,000, and a final offer of $300,000 (comprising $211,000 in salary cap relief and an $89,000 transfer fee). The Eels rejected these offers, instead proposing a player swap and identifying Storm players Xavier Coates, Stefano Utoikamanu, or Jack Howarth as potential candidates. The Storm reportedly declined a player swap, including one involving Ryan Matterson.
The Parramatta Eels initiated legal proceedings against Lomax in the NSW Supreme Court to enforce the terms of his release, arguing that contracts must be honored and that Lomax had legal representation when agreeing to the conditions.
Lomax's legal team contended that the Eels acted unreasonably or in bad faith by withholding consent and that the release conditions constituted an unenforceable restraint of trade, especially given the change in circumstances with the R360 competition's delay.
During legal proceedings, it was alleged that the Storm had entered into a preliminary contract agreement with Lomax before contacting the Eels for consent. Court documents also included allegations that Storm CEO Justin Rodski contacted NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, requesting pressure be applied to the Eels to facilitate the transfer, stating that Lomax remaining in the NRL would be a "win for the game." Additionally, it was alleged that Storm Chairman Matt Tripp referenced "the possibility of punitive steps being taken by the NRL" against the Eels concerning their salary cap if they did not accept the Storm's offer, an assertion the NRL CEO reportedly denied.
The NRL expressed interest in mediating the dispute to retain Lomax within the sport. ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys advocated for a resolution to keep Lomax in rugby league.
Court Proceedings and Settlement
Legal proceedings were scheduled for a two-day hearing in the NSW Supreme Court, with various directions hearings and postponements. These included one due to the unavailability of Storm Chairman Matt Tripp for in-person cross-examination.
An out-of-court settlement was reached between Lomax, the Parramatta Eels, and the Melbourne Storm shortly before the scheduled two-day hearing. The terms of the settlement include:
- Zac Lomax is prohibited from returning to the NRL without the Eels' written consent until the end of the 2028 season. This modified the initial restraint period, which was set to expire in 2029.
- The Melbourne Storm agreed to pay $250,000 towards the Parramatta Eels' legal costs as part of the settlement.
- The Parramatta Eels stated their willingness to collaborate with Lomax and his agent to facilitate a future move to another NRL club, provided the Eels receive appropriate compensation.
Transition to Rugby Union
Following the settlement, Zac Lomax signed a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Western Force. Lomax, who previously played rugby union until 2015, stated his excitement for the challenge and opportunity to represent the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
He described rugby union as a "truly international sport" offering global travel opportunities.
Lomax affirmed that his initial intention, when seeking release from the Eels, was to transition to rugby union. He acknowledged the "circus" surrounding his future but expressed gratitude for his NRL career with the Dragons and Parramatta. Western Force head coach Simon Cron confirmed Lomax's enthusiasm for the move, noting his playing abilities and professionalism. Lomax is expected to contend for positions such as inside centre (12), outside centre (13), fullback (15), or wing.