Zac Lomax’s future remains clouded in uncertainty as the Parramatta Eels continue to hold their ground…

Zac Lomax’s future remains clouded in uncertainty as the Parramatta Eels continue to hold their ground, refusing to grant the State of Origin star an unconditional release to join the Melbourne Storm without what they describe as “appropriate compensation.”
Despite growing speculation and persistent links between Lomax and Melbourne, Parramatta CEO Jim Sarantinos has made it clear that the club will not be pressured into a deal that does not adequately reflect the value of one of the NRL’s premier outside backs. For the Eels, any early release would need to include either a high-calibre representative player in return or a significant financial component — or both.
Names such as Xavier Coates, Stefano Utoikamanu, and Jack Howarth have been floated within league circles as the type of players Parramatta would consider in a potential swap, with additional cash possibly required to balance the deal. The Eels’ stance is firm: Lomax will not be allowed to walk away simply to strengthen a rival premiership contender without fair compensation.
At the heart of the dispute is the contract Lomax signed after a delayed negotiation period involving his management company, R360. According to Sarantinos, the terms of the agreement were clearly outlined and willingly accepted by the player, including conditions that limit his ability to secure an immediate release.
“Zac entered into this contract with full knowledge of the clauses involved,” Sarantinos said. “There was a delay in finalising the deal due to negotiations, but once it was signed, all parties understood the conditions. We’re simply upholding the agreement.”
Lomax, a regular NSW State of Origin representative, remains highly valued by Parramatta, not just for his on-field performances but also for his professionalism and leadership. The Eels had envisioned him as a central figure in their long-term plans, particularly as they look to rebuild and re-establish themselves as premiership contenders.
However, Melbourne’s interest has complicated that vision. The Storm, renowned for their ability to attract elite talent and maximize it within their system, see Lomax as a natural fit for their backline. From Parramatta’s perspective, though, facilitating such a move without adequate return would amount to undermining their own roster and competitive integrity.
The situation has placed Lomax in an uncomfortable limbo. While he has not publicly agitated for a release, the ongoing speculation has raised questions about his long-term commitment and how the saga might affect his preparation and performance. Parramatta officials maintain that the matter is being handled professionally and that Lomax remains expected to honor his contract unless a mutually beneficial solution is reached.
“This isn’t personal,” Sarantinos emphasized. “It’s about doing what’s right for the Parramatta Eels. If another club wants one of our top-tier players, there needs to be a discussion around value. That’s how the system works.”
From a broader NRL standpoint, the case highlights ongoing tensions around player movement, contract clauses, and the growing influence of player managers. Clubs are increasingly wary of setting precedents that allow contracted stars to exit early without consequence, particularly when rival clubs stand to benefit.
For now, Parramatta’s message is unequivocal: Zac Lomax is not leaving on the cheap. Unless Melbourne — or any other suitor — is prepared to put meaningful assets on the table, the Origin star will remain an Eel, bound by the terms he agreed to and central to the club’s plans moving forward.
As the off-field standoff continues, all eyes will be on whether compromise can be found — or whether Lomax’s future will remain unresolved well into the season.