Court filings reveal the Melbourne Storm allegedly messaged NRL executives to kickstart discussions about Zac Lomax joining their club.
The dispute over Lomax's contract has intensified, with the Parramatta Eels launching legal action challenging the terms of his release.
Sources say the Storm sought NRL involvement, arguing intervention was necessary to preserve Lomax's place in the 13-man game for the sport's overall benefit.
The Eels reportedly turned down several approaches from the Storm in recent weeks, fueling speculation those bids were deliberately low.
With negotiations stalled, the Storm allegedly attempted to accelerate the process amid claims Parramatta had been dragging its feet on transfer talks.
The Storm's position, according to documents, is that keeping Lomax playing in the competition serves the code and warranted pressure from the governing body.
Evidence presented at the Supreme Court also indicates Lomax sought a release from Parramatta on the night of last year's Dally M awards, suggesting he has been pursuing an exit for some time.
The intensifying dispute has prompted calls for the NRL to consider applying salary cap scrutiny to the Western Sydney club as leverage.
Despite that possibility, indications are the Eels remain steadfast and are unlikely to yield to external pressure.
The unfolding legal and administrative standoff has therefore added fresh uncertainty to Lomax's future and the wider transfer environment.