Stuck in exile: Eels block Storm from speaking to Lomax for ’26 signing

Parramatta has stood between Zac Lomax and the Storm these last few weeks, holding true to their word to let Lomax leave to play any other code but guaranteeing he won’t play for another club before his contract’s 2028 expiry.

Melbourne made a stunning move to bring Lomax to the club immediately just before Christmas, asking the Eels to free him from his ’28 clauses. Parramatta instantly turned down the request, making it very clear to the Storm they would only entertain the suggestion should they get an equal calibre player to sign from among the southern club’s star stocks.

Win $500 Cash In Our Free Giveaway Here

The Eels will retain Lomax’s rugby league rights through to November 2027, when he will then become a “free agent” — he already is regarding NRL play, but it would then be formally, too — and be freely able to speak to other clubs.

Lomax was originally meant to be quitting to join R360, but that was then delayed some years.

The whole affair left Lomax adrift — and even if this cheeky move from the Storm hasn’t been able to solve it.

What’s notable is that the ex-Eels, ex-Dragons back would have been earning between $700,000 and $850,000 through the length of his contracts if he’d stayed with the former or the latter, but instead will only make around $400K with any rugby team he joins.

Melbourne would have been able to pay Lomax a whole lot closer to that $850K contract that he turned down by leaving the Dragons, especially after Ryan Papenhyuzen, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, and Jonah Pezet all left recently. But — it’s still fully under the Eels’ control to let him play in the NRL or not; right now, the club has no interest in giving him the green light.

Are you reading on our app? Download now for the best Sporting Base experience.

Win $500 Cash In Our Free Giveaway Here

Craig Bellamy and the Storm are expected to keep shopping around, considering how stuffed their pocketbooks are right now. They did recruit Jack Hetherington some weeks ago, though that was a replacement pick-up for second-rower Eliesa Katoa, who will miss the entirety of the 2026 NRL season as he recovers from head injuries.

More NRL news

Pack king: Leading ‘next era’ of young guns sold Koloamatangi on Dragons

Kickoffs, squads, penalty zone: NRL musing major ’26 rule changes

Parra has made one signing this offseason, bringing in Brian Kelly to replace Lomax. Beyond that, the Eels will also have halves star Jonah Pezet in 2026 after inking a roundabout deal that will then see him move to Brisbane.

The Eels had gone hard to sign Koloamatangi, but missed out on him when he went to St George.