Trust nemesis: Eels star Moses found devastated after rugby 360 Exodus” calls for his best friend” whom he loves so much..see details..
Date: August 16, 2025
The NRL has been rocked by yet another high-profile twist in the growing Rugby 360 saga, with Parramatta Eels star Zac Lomax reportedly informing club officials of his interest in exploring a move to the controversial breakaway competition. The revelation adds further weight to mounting speculation that Rugby 360’s lavishly funded project is set to disrupt Australian rugby league like never before.
A Bombshell for Parramatta
Lomax, who only joined the Eels this season after a celebrated stint with St George Illawarra, has quickly become a central figure in Parramatta’s push for finals football. His athleticism, strike power in attack, and reliability under the high ball have made him a crowd favourite at CommBank Stadium.
But according to multiple sources, Lomax has held discussions with Eels management in recent weeks, signalling that he is keen to “explore the opportunities” Rugby 360 could offer. While no formal approach has yet been lodged, insiders suggest that the Eels are bracing for the likelihood of a bidding war between the NRL and the rebel competition.
Club officials are said to be both disappointed and wary. Lomax’s existing contract with Parramatta runs until the end of 2026, but Rugby 360 has shown no hesitation in offering multimillion-dollar buyouts to secure marquee players. The Eels now face the unenviable task of convincing their star centre that his long-term future lies in the blue and gold.
Rugby 360’s Rising Pull
Rugby 360, launched earlier this year with financial backing from global investors and Middle Eastern consortiums, has already lured a handful of established NRL names and is aggressively targeting more. The league’s pitch is simple: shorter seasons, higher salaries, and a global stage that promises exposure beyond the traditional rugby league heartlands of Australia and New Zealand.
The competition plans to begin in early 2026, with fixtures across Australia, Asia, and Europe. Its model combines elements of rugby league and sevens-style tournaments, offering a faster-paced spectacle designed to attract younger audiences and international broadcasters.
For players like Lomax, who are in their athletic prime, the financial incentives are staggering. Contracts worth between $1.5 million and $2 million per season—far beyond what the NRL salary cap allows—are being dangled in front of potential recruits.
A Growing List of Stars Linked
Lomax’s name is now added to an expanding list of NRL players reportedly considering Rugby 360 offers. Among them are Payne Haas, Joseph Manu, and Latrell Mitchell, all of whom have been linked with preliminary talks.
Earlier this month, reports emerged that former Kangaroos captain James Tedesco had been sounded out as a potential face of the competition, while ex-NRL stars playing overseas in Super League are also in the crosshairs.
The trend has raised alarms across the rugby league community, with critics warning that Rugby 360 could strip the NRL of its elite talent pool if measures aren’t taken to counter the financial firepower of the rival league.
What Lomax Brings to the Table
At just 25 years old, Zac Lomax is seen as one of rugby league’s most marketable stars. His highlight-reel moments—towering leaps, long-range tries, and pinpoint goal-kicking—make him a perfect fit for a league built on spectacle.
Since debuting for the Dragons in 2018, Lomax has amassed over 120 first-grade appearances, represented New South Wales in State of Origin, and built a reputation as one of the most reliable backs in the competition. His move to Parramatta was heralded as a coup, with many expecting him to elevate the club’s backline alongside Clint Gutherson and Mitchell Moses.
If Rugby 360 secures his signature, it would mark one of its most significant captures to date—a statement that the competition is capable of prising away not just veterans or fringe players, but genuine NRL stars in their prime.
Parramatta’s Response
The Eels, for their part, remain determined to hold onto Lomax. Head coach Brad Arthur, who has battled throughout 2025 to keep his squad competitive amid injuries and contract uncertainty, has publicly stressed the importance of stability.
“We want Zac here long-term,” Arthur said earlier this week when asked about speculation surrounding Rugby 360. “He’s been a massive part of our side this year, and we’re building something that he’s central to. But obviously these stories will come up when there’s so much money being thrown around.”
Privately, however, the club is understood to be weighing contingency plans in case Lomax does depart. Officials have reportedly sounded out potential replacements, though the NRL’s tight salary cap makes it difficult to compete with Rugby 360’s open chequebook.
NRL’s Counter-Strategy
The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has been monitoring the situation closely. Chairman Peter V’landys has previously dismissed Rugby 360 as a “flash-in-the-pan” venture, but the growing list of players linked to the competition has forced league headquarters to reconsider its approach.
In recent weeks, the NRL has discussed potential salary cap concessions for clubs trying to retain marquee players, along with new central contracts for stars of the game. The ARLC has also explored ways to expand international exposure, with proposals for NRL fixtures in the United States, the Middle East, and Asia gaining traction.
Still, the financial gulf remains stark. While the NRL’s top earners command salaries of around $1 million per season, Rugby 360 is prepared to pay double or even triple that for marquee talent.
Fan Reaction
News of Lomax’s potential interest has sparked heated debate among fans, particularly Parramatta supporters who only recently embraced him as one of their own.
Social media has been awash with mixed reactions—some sympathetic to the lure of life-changing money, others critical of players prioritising paydays over loyalty.
“Can’t blame Zac if he goes—two million a season is generational wealth,” one fan posted.
Another, less forgiving, wrote: “We’ve backed him all year, and now he’s thinking of bailing? The NRL has to step up before this Rugby 360 circus guts our comp.”
The Bigger Picture
While Lomax’s potential defection is just one story in the larger Rugby 360 narrative, it underscores the existential challenge facing rugby league in Australia.
The NRL has long prided itself on being the premier rugby competition in the world, but the emergence of Rugby 360 threatens to shift that balance. If players in their prime begin departing en masse, the quality of the competition—and its global reputation—could be compromised.
For now, Lomax has merely expressed interest rather than making a formal commitment. But his decision, when it comes, will be closely watched by clubs, players, and fans alike.
What Happens Next
The next few weeks are expected to be decisive. Rugby 360 executives are believed to be finalising their first batch of signings ahead of an official launch event later this year. Lomax could well be among those unveiled, should negotiations progress.
For Parramatta, the priority will be to reinforce their commitment to Lomax and demonstrate why staying in the NRL is the right move for his career and legacy. But with the financial scales so heavily tilted, persuasion alone may not be enough.
One thing is certain: the Zac Lomax story is far from over. Whether he stays loyal to Parramatta or becomes one of Rugby 360’s headline recruits, his decision will echo far beyond CommBank Stadium—shaping the future of rugby league itself.
Leave a Reply