LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Zac Lomax's manager has provided an update regarding contract negotiations, confirming that discussions have taken place with the Melbourne Storm. He also noted that Peter V'Landys and the ARLC are supportive of the New South Wales Blues outside back's return to the sport.
After leaving the Eels at the end of the 2025 season, where he played for just one year following a transfer from the St George Illawarra Dragons, Lomax found himself in a challenging situation. He was facing a potential ten-year ban from the NRL due to his involvement with the Saudi Arabian-backed R360 competition.
This ban was intended to deter current players from engaging with the new league, which promised lucrative seven-figure salaries. However, the postponement of this competition to 2028 has left Lomax without a team.
While he has initiated talks with the Melbourne Storm, Lomax's ability to join another club hinges on the removal of a clause from his release with Parramatta, which currently prevents him from playing for any team until 2029.
"It's public knowledge there's been conversations between Melbourne and us," remarked Lomax's manager, Steve Gillis, in an interview with Code Sports' Fanatics TV. "It's a matter of trying to navigate the termination document with the Eels and how we may or may not be able to open the door for Zac to continue."