As the legal entanglements surrounding Zac Lomax's potential transfer to the Melbourne Storm continue to face numerous obstacles, the Victorian team may need to reassess their alternatives if negotiations falter.
According to the Daily Telegraph, the Cronulla Sharks are considering offering Jesse Ramien to the Storm as a contingency plan should Lomax's situation not resolve favorably.
Additionally, reports indicate that Ramien's former club, the Manly Sea Eagles, has expressed interest in reacquiring him, but the Storm holds a more favorable position in this scenario.
Complications for Lomax arise from the Parramatta Eels, who assert that they have been unfairly treated after Lomax reached a provisional agreement to switch codes.
When that alternative fell through, Lomax found himself in a precarious position, with the Eels refusing to retain his services. Consequently, the Storm is vigorously pursuing a resolution with both the NRL and the Eels to finalize a deal.
The conclusion of the legal proceedings is anticipated to occur shortly after the Storm's clash against the Eels at AAMI Park in Round 1.
If the Storm fails to secure Lomax due to the upcoming court case at the NSW Supreme Court, then Ramien would serve as an effective backup solution.
Adding to the urgency of the situation, star winger Xavier Coates has been sidelined for more than two months this NRL season due to a preseason Achilles injury.
Ramien, whose contract expires at the end of this year, is expected to honor the remainder of his current agreement.