LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The departure of Zac Lomax from the NRL late last year caught many by surprise, but interest in his return seems to be building.
As reported by the Daily Telegraph, the Melbourne Storm has reached out to the Parramatta Eels in recent weeks to request permission to initiate talks with Lomax, who is currently without a club for the 2026 season.
However, this request was promptly denied.
The Eels still hold Lomax's rugby league rights, despite having agreed to release him after just 19 games into a four-year contract that was originally set to run until the end of the 2025 season.
Upon his departure, the Eels enforced strict conditions that prevent Lomax from signing with any other NRL club until his contract concludes at the end of 2028-a stipulation that the 26-year-old accepted.
Nonetheless, the Storm's interest hasn't waned.
Melbourne is reportedly eager to pursue further discussions, particularly after creating additional salary cap space due to the exits of Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, and Jonah Pezet, along with the season-ending injury to Eliesa Katoa.