Melbourne Storm is pursuing the signing of Zac Lomax for the 2026 National Rugby League (NRL) season, an effort complicated by his existing release terms with the Parramatta Eels. Concurrently, the Storm has confirmed the departures of Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart at the end of the current season, both expected to join the expansion club Perth Bears.
Storm Player Movements
The Melbourne Storm announced that fullback Nick Meaney and utility player Tyran Wishart will leave the club after the current season. Both players are anticipated to join the Perth Bears. Meaney is expected to integrate with the Bears from 2027, potentially featuring at fullback and assuming goalkicking responsibilities. Wishart is also understood to have reached an agreement with the new club. Storm CEO Justin Rodski acknowledged the contributions of both players during their four seasons with the club, noting their decision to explore new opportunities.
The Perth Bears have also made other recruitment announcements, including Bulldogs prop Josh Curran, premiership winner Liam Henry, and former Dogs playmaker Toby Sexton, all slated to join in 2027.
Zac Lomax Transfer Saga
The Storm's initial attempt to sign outside back Zac Lomax for the 2026 season was rejected by the Parramatta Eels. Lomax was released from the final three years of his Eels contract at the end of last season. This release included a condition prohibiting him from joining a rival NRL club until the end of 2028 without Parramatta's explicit permission. This condition was established based on the expectation that Lomax would join the R360 rugby competition.
However, the launch of the R360 competition has been postponed, with reports indicating a delay until 2027 or 2028. This delay has impacted Lomax's professional future for 2026.
Legal and Resolution Prospects
Lomax has engaged lawyer Ramy Qutami to assist in securing a full release from his agreement with the Eels. His legal team may contend that the postponement of the R360 competition represents a change in the circumstances of his original release.
Legal expert Lee Hagipantelis has stated that overturning such release conditions could be challenging. Hagipantelis noted that the release agreement was a contract negotiated and entered into knowingly, and courts are typically cautious about intervening in such agreements, even if player circumstances change. A negotiated settlement, potentially involving compensation to Parramatta or a player swap, has been suggested as a more probable resolution.
Rugby league reporter Phil Rothfield suggested a potential player swap involving Storm's Jack Howarth and Lomax. Howarth is contracted until the end of the 2027 season, and any such swap would necessitate his consent. Howarth, aged 23, has played 33 games for the Storm since 2023, including two Grand Final appearances, and has a prior working relationship with Eels coach Jason Ryles.
Context and Player Background
The Storm maintains salary cap flexibility following recent departures, including Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, and Jonah Pezet, as well as the season-ending injury to Eliesa Katoa in 2026.
Prior to the current situation, Lomax declined offers from Super Rugby clubs Western Force and ACT Brumbies. These offers were reportedly not guaranteed a top-up on a proposed $400,000 state franchise deal by Rugby Australia. Lomax previously forfeited a $700,000 annual contract with the Eels and an $850,000 deal with the Dragons. Parramatta has since signed Titans centre Brian Kelly as a replacement.
Lomax has accumulated 58 tries and 368 goals across 133 NRL games, in addition to six State of Origin appearances for the New South Wales Blues and three Test appearances for the Kangaroos. Discussions between the Melbourne Storm and Parramatta Eels regarding Lomax are ongoing.