The Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) has stepped in on Zac Lomax’s contract saga, reminding clubs not to push players into moves they don’t want.
Last November, Lomax secured an early release from his Eels contract, which still had three years to run, with hopes of joining the R360 competition—though that tournament has now been delayed for two seasons.
Now, the Storm are interested in the star winger, but there’s a catch: Lomax can’t play for another NRL team until 2029 unless Parramatta gives the green light.
The Eels have made it clear they expect compensation if Lomax is to join the Storm, suggesting Xavier Coates, Stefano Utoikamanu, or Jack Howarth as possible options.
But RLPA chief executive Clint Newton urged all clubs to steer clear of putting players under pressure.
“I’m not going to get involved in the specifics of the contract,” Newton told the SMH. “That’s something for the clubs to work through and hopefully resolve. But we definitely wouldn’t support any kind of horse-trading scenario, where a player’s move depends on another player going to Parramatta.”
“That’s not something we’d ever back,” Newton said. “Players who have signed contracts have every right to see them through at the club they committed to. Melbourne know this, and I’m confident they’ll respect that process.”
The RLPA is also hopeful the clubs can find a solution that works for everyone.
“We want the best players in the game,” Newton added. “Zac is an outstanding talent, and we want to keep him in rugby league. At the end of the day, it’s just about everyone coming to an agreement—and hopefully, they will.”
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