LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
A high-stakes court dispute involving NRL player Zac Lomax could result in the Melbourne Storm incurring significant legal fees instead of securing the player for their roster.
The Parramatta Eels, who have won four premierships, have initiated legal action to prevent their under-contract winger from transferring to the Melbourne Storm.
Initially, the Eels released Lomax amid rumors of a potential move to the R360 rugby union competition. However, with the postponement of R360's launch, Lomax found himself in limbo and subsequently considered a switch to Melbourne.
Reports indicate that the move to the Storm, set for 2026 and beyond, is valued at approximately $1 million.
The Melbourne club has indemnified the State of Origin player and may be required to cover his legal costs if the Eels succeed in their case, as revealed during a brief session in the NSW Supreme Court on Friday.
In December, Lomax's attorney Ramy Qutami mentioned that the winger could potentially join the Storm, Perth Bears, or Canberra Raiders, according to Parramatta's barrister Arthur Moses SC, who addressed the court.
The reasonableness of the Eels' refusal to allow Lomax to transfer to an NRL competitor hinges on the actions of both teams and Lomax himself, the barrister stated.
The 26-year-old player argues that the contractual restrictions imposed by the Eels cannot be enforced, while the club maintains that these conditions are both legal and valid.