Lomax Ruled Out Of NRL Until 2028 As Parramatta-Melbourne Deal Falls Over

Zac Lomax has put a line through his bid to return to the NRL this year with the Melbourne Storm after he and the Parramatta Eels came to an out-of-court settlement.

Today's scheduled NSW Supreme Court hearing has been cancelled.

The Melbourne Storm are understood to have paid court fees for Lomax as well $250,000 of the Eels fee. Parramatta are believed to have reduced the period of control over Lomax from three years to two, effectively setting a date for a 2028 return to the NRL. 

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Melbourne had offered to pay out Ryan Matterson's 2026 contract - said to be worth approximately $416,000 - and $300,000 direct to the Parramatta club. Matterson reportadly ruled himself out of a Melbourne transfer, and a deal between Melbourne and Parramatta fell awaprt.

Lomax is unable to return to the NRL unless the Eels secure an outcome - player or otherwise - that improves their club, something they belive they were unable to do with Melborune.

A Parramatta Eels statement released Tuesday 3 March shed light on some of the case's preceedings.

"Over the past two months the Eels and the Melbourne Storm have worked towards reaching an agreement to enable Zac to play with the Storm," it read.

"At no time did the Storm make an offer that could be implemented that would provide appropriate value for our football program.

"Today, the Supreme Court by consent made an order which has the effect of prohibiting Zac from entering into a contract, working, training or playing with any other NRL Club until 31 October 2027 without the Eels written consent."

Parramatta Eels Chairman Matthew Beach said the case was never about stopping Lomax from playing in the NRL, but more about ensuring the terms of his release were adhered to.

"As I have said before, contracts are an important part of the NRL as they are for every member of the community," Beach said.

“We were always willing to consider a deal that would strengthen our football program. After trying for over two months, we were unable to reach an agreement with the Storm. We believe that Zac is a good young man and we are willing to work with him and his agent, in an open and transparent manner, to explore ways that we can reach an agreement where Zac can return to the NRL."

“While this period has presented some unique challenges, we felt strongly about standing up for what we believed to be right, and we appreciate the passion, unity and alignment we have seen from our members, fans, sponsors and everyone within the Club."

Enjoying Fanatics' Clubhouse content? Subscribe to the Clubhouse Newsletter HERE.