The protracted Zac Lomax contract dispute now threatens to cost the Melbourne Storm more than anticipated.
Parramatta has launched legal action and is pursuing injunctive relief to prevent Lomax joining the Storm.
The matter escalated after the Storm indicated it would cover Lomax's legal fees if the NRL accepted that payment inside its salary-cap calculations.
League observers have speculated that such an arrangement could push Melbourne beyond the cap.
Parramatta's case centres on its claim that Lomax was only cleared to move to the proposed R360 competition.
The Eels argue a transfer to Melbourne would leave them competitively disadvantaged and seek the court's intervention.
In an awkward twist, the hearing is scheduled to conclude a day after the two clubs are due to meet at AAMI Park in Round 1 of 2026.
That timing leaves Lomax without a confirmed club to begin the season and deprives fans of a charged curtain-raiser.
Complicating matters further, R360 has been postponed until 2028, removing the supposed destination Lomax was released for.
Lomax is therefore chasing a return to the NRL outside Parramatta while his future remains unresolved.
Earlier court documents indicate he requested a release last year on Dally M night, a detail the club uses to question his motives.
The Eels say that move was inappropriate after he had signed a four-year contract, and they are seeking remedy through the courts.