Wayne Bennett has dismissed the possibility of South Sydney pursuing Zac Lomax, indicating it is time for the star winger to accept the repercussions of his controversial departure from Parramatta.
An out-of-court settlement between Parramatta and Melbourne on Tuesday effectively halted Lomax's intended transfer to the Storm. This decision comes four months after the Eels allowed him to join the rugby competition R360, which was later postponed.
In November, Lomax agreed that he could only join a rival NRL team for the remainder of his original Eels contract with Parramatta's approval, which still remains open to negotiations with other clubs.
Should Lomax aim for an NRL comeback within the next two years, it would likely require a player swap or an agreement from the interested club to assist the Eels in managing their salary cap by taking on an additional player.
When asked if Souths had any interest in Lomax, Bennett answered clearly.
"No," he stated.
Throughout this lengthy legal situation, Lomax received backing from Peter V'landys, chair of the Australian Rugby League Commission, who had considered lifting the 10-year NRL ban he threatened for players moving to R360.
Leaked text messages revealed that Storm chair Matt Tripp had pushed the NRL to ensure a positive outcome for the game by helping bring Lomax back.
However, as he prepares for his 39th season in the NRL, Bennett asserted that no player should be regarded as more significant than the sport itself.