Former Wests Tigers Chairman and leading workplace lawyer Lee Hagipantelis has shed light on the ways Melbourne Storm may yet be able to sign released Parramatta and NSW star Zac Lomax for the 2026 NRL season, despite the Eels having rejected Melbourne’s initial request.
Speaking on SEN radio, Hagipantelis suggested that in his experience the courts would likely be reluctant to overrule the terms of Lomax’s conditional release to leave Parramatta at the end of the 2025 season, despite Lomax’s circumstances having now changed with the two-year delay of rebel R360 competition.
“The release between Parramatta and the player (Lomax) is a contract which was negotiated in good faith, and Zac entered into that contract with eyes wide open,” Hagipantelis said.
“So the question is now, can he get out of that contract and if so, how?”
MORE: R360 boss’ startling revelation about NRL player recruitment
Hagipantelis said Lomax may consider seeking to have the contract voided as an unlawful restraint of trade, however given Parramatta is a direct NRL competitor of the Melbourne Storm he suggested that would be difficult to prove.
“The courts are very cautious about applying those kinds of principles to allow a player to revoke contract just because they’ve made a bad deal and circumstances have changed,” he said.
“I think Zac is up against it and the only way it’s going to be done in my view is by a negotiated settlement between him, Melbourne Storm and Parramatta.”
‘What’s in it for Parramatta?’
Discussing what the most likely course of action would now be in the lead-up to the 2026 NRL season, Hagipantelis said it will all come down one word.
“It’s all about the C-word—compensation, what’s in it for Parramatta?” He said.
“Giving up a player, a cash settlement from Melbourne or Zac, or both, it’s got to be something for Parramatta to think they’ve achieved a desirable outcome.
“That’s where it’s going to end I suspect, I don’t think it’s going to see the inside of a courtroom.”