Hoops Reveals Details Of Phone Calls That Sunk Lomax's Storm Bid

James Hooper has revealed fascinating details of two phone calls between Parramatta's Ryan Matterson and Melbourne Storm Coach Craig Bellamy that ultimately decided the fate of want-to-be Storm recruit Zac Lomax.

Speaking on todays episode of Rugby League Insider, Hooper broke news of the Storm coming agonisingly close to coming to a deal with Matterson - who is reportedly out of favour within the Parramatta set up - before it fell apart at the final hurdle.

"It was very close," Hooper said.

"It got as close as Craig Bellamy speaking to Ryan Matterson, who’s on the outer at Parramatta at the moment, on Sunday.”

"Following the phone call, Craig Bellamy was under the impression that Matterson was all but going to be joining Melbourne, Hooper reported.

"Then on Monday, when they spoke 24 hours later, then all of a sudden Ryan Matterson was putting the weights on the Melbourne Storm saying that he wanted a guaranteed second year, so not just just for this season, but also for next season as well," Hooper continued.

The Storm had been prepared to take around $400k off Parramatta's salary cap by offering Matterson a contract for the remainder of the 2026 season, but the deal fell apart when Matterson began negotiating for a second year.

"What Ryan really wanted, and he asked Craig Bellamy for this, he needed a guarantee that he was going to get a contract as well in 2027," Hooper revealed.

"Craig Bellamy said if you come down, train hard, play hard and work hard, there's an opportunity here. I can't guarantee it, but there'll be an option in the clubs favour.

That's what blew the deal up, that's why Zac Lomax isn't going to Melbourne."

Bulldogs Media Manager Darcie McDonald, who will feature as a co-host of Rugby League Insider throughout the year, said she was shocked that Matterson didn't take the opportunity.

"I am genuinely surprised that Ryan Matterson didn’t take the opportunity, regardless of if it’s one year, two year, however many years, to not go to Melbourne who are notorious in turning peoples careers around or turning them into superstars," McDonald said.

"He’s got a bucketload of talent and potential and ability, it hasn’t really worked out for him at the Eels .

"I think he’s crazy. Crazy not to go to the storm.

"I also can see why Craig Bellamy can’t guarantee that second year, because he hasn’t been performing, so why would you guarantee a guy a second year. 

"I'd love to know what was going through Ryan’s head to turn down an opportunity to essentially go to the champions, they’re one of the best clubs, if not the best club in the NRL."

Updated 5/3/26 - 8:30am

Ryan Matterson released an official statement via Instagram overnight detailing his side of the story in which he claims he was 'the last to know and the first to be blamed' in relation to his part in the Storm's bid for Lomax.

The statement reveals Matterson has been 'away from the club' (Parramatta) for a number of weeks under the care of a neurologist due to concussion.

"During this time, a deal that did not directly involve me was negotiated for several months by Parramatta and Melbourne," it reads.

"Over this period I was not formally consulted."

Matterson did confirm that an offer was tabled on Sunday, in line with Hoops' comments.

"I was not part of these conversations," the statement continues. "Yet it seems I am the one being held responsible for the outcome."

Catch the full chat on the latest episode of Rugby League Insider.  

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