The Melbourne Storm reportedly urged the NRL to step in and "apply the blow torch" to force Parramatta into releasing Zac Lomax.
Explosive documents lodged with the Supreme Court claim the Storm warned the Eels they could face punitive salary-cap measures if they rejected the compensation offer.
Parramatta initiated legal proceedings to block Lomax's switch after insisting his release from a four-year contract required the club's written consent.
Although Lomax was cleared to join the breakaway R360 competition, that pathway has been put on hold after the league deferred its inaugural season until 2028.
The dispute has escalated tensions between the clubs and left the winger's immediate playing future in limbo as administrators weigh options.
A five-day hearing is scheduled to begin on March 2, which means judges will not hand down a decision before the season gets underway.
Consequently, there will be no resolution ahead of the Storm's season opener against the Eels at AAMI Park on March 5.
Both sides are preparing submissions and gathering evidence ahead of the trial as the clock ticks toward the court date.
Until a ruling is reached, questions remain over Lomax's status and the potential wider implications for salary-cap enforcement in the game.