The NRL is preparing to step in and mediate the growing contract standoff involving Zac Lomax, Parramatta and Melbourne, with the representative back remaining stuck in career limbo.
According to reports from The Sydney Morning Herald, Melbourne tabled a compensation offer of around $200,000, which they believe reflects fair market value for a released player, but with that failing to shift Parramatta’s stance, the NRL is now poised to intervene.
The situation stems from Parramatta granting Lomax an early release from the final three years of his Eels contract, with a clause preventing him from signing with another NRL club without their consent.
However, Lomax is eager to join the Storm and return to the NRL after his planned move to the rebel rugby competition R360 collapsed when the league delayed its launch until at least 2028.
MORE: Mark Nawaqanitawase's next move revealed with huge rugby contract
Parramatta have refused to approve the move unless compensated via a player swap, with Jack Howarth, Xavier Coates and Stefano Utoikamanu identified as their preferred targets.
The Storm have rejected that stance outright, having already lost key members of last season’s grand final squad and unwilling to part with further representative talent.
With talks at an impasse, the NRL has indicated it is prepared to intervene if Parramatta refuses to consider what the league deems a reasonable solution, with the governing body reportedly viewing Melbourne’s monetary offer as consistent with compensation paid when Lachlan Galvin was released from the Tigers to the Bulldogs last year.
The NRL is keen to avoid losing a NSW Origin and Kangaroos-calibre player from the competition, with Lomax facing the prospect of being sidelined from the game for up to three seasons should the Eels refuse to budge.
Neither Lomax nor Parramatta have any interest in rekindling their relationship, with the Eels already moving on by signing Brian Kelly and the relationship between both parties appearing to have soured.
Lomax has continued training independently while awaiting clarity, determined to remain match-ready as the 2026 season approaches and by all accounts eager to commit fully to a return to rugby league.
With all sides entrenched and time ticking down toward trial matches, the NRL’s involvement now looms as the decisive factor in resolving one of the offseason’s most contentious contract disputes.