There are reports that Australian and NSW Blues winger Zac Lomax is set to sign with the controversial R360 rugby union competition and may be set to depart the Parramatta Eels.
While there has been no official confirmation from either Lomax or the Eels, player agent and media personality Braith Anasta revealed the news on NRL 360.
“There have been rumours around (Ryan) Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona,” Anasta said of the R360 competition.
“I’ve been doing bit of digging around and talking to people, and I heard a rumour today that Zac Lomax is about to sign a deal with them (R360) and there is a big chance he’s played his last game for Parramatta.”
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“It’s speculation, but I’ve heard it from someone close to R360 and it’s something we need to keep an eye on because I believe this is starting to get serious.”
“This rumour is the strongest one I’ve heard yet.”
If true, the loss of Lomax would be a major blow to both the Eels and the NRL in general, especially given the 26-year-old star will almost certainly be named for the upcoming Kangaroo Tour to England next Monday.
‘If you have a contract with the NRL we expect you to honour it’
On Tuesday, ARLC boss Peter V’Landys repeated his strong views on the R360 threat.
“Anything that doesn’t have a business model or a financier or a backer, you can’t take seriously,” he said.
“The clubs want the NRL to take some pretty harsh action and we’re considering it.
“If you have a contract with the NRL we expect you to honour it—and if you don’t, there are going to be consequences.”