LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Zac Lomax's attempt to return to the NRL has taken a significant turn, as the Parramatta Eels have initiated legal proceedings following unsuccessful negotiations with both Lomax and the Melbourne Storm.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the Eels are seeking to enforce a controversial clause in Lomax's conditional release after mediation failed to achieve a resolution earlier this week.
The case is scheduled for a hearing in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday afternoon, with all parties eager for a swift outcome ahead of the 2026 NRL season.
Lomax was granted a conditional release from his remaining three-year contract with the Eels in November, which allowed him to explore opportunities beyond rugby league.
However, this release included a clause that mandated formal approval from Parramatta for any return to the NRL, essentially granting the club veto power over where and if Lomax could continue his league career.
Although Lomax has reached an agreement with the Storm, the Eels have declined to grant that release, turning down what is believed to be a minimal transfer fee proposed by Melbourne.
The Eels maintain that the clause remains enforceable to protect their contractual interests, while Lomax's camp argues that the restriction is unreasonable given that he was already released from his contract.