A contentious contract dispute involving star winger Zac Lomax has ignited debate among rugby league journalists, raising questions about his future in the NRL.
Lomax, recently released from his contract with the Parramatta Eels to explore opportunities outside the league, is now at the center of a legal battle involving his former club and the Melbourne Storm, who were reportedly pursuing a deal to sign him.
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Legal proceedings are ongoing in the NSW Supreme Court, with the NRL subpoenaed and Melbourne Storm Chairman Matt Tripp and CEO Justin Rodski scheduled to testify in the coming days, according to reports.
During a discussion on NRL 360, journalist Andrew Webster argued that the NRL has no obligation to welcome Lomax back following the circumstances of his departure. “They are headed for the Supreme Court next Monday morning where it’s going to arrive to a head. Whether there’s a deal done between now and then, time is running out,” Webster said.
Webster continued, questioning the NRL’s involvement, stating, “We see very interesting that Parramatta have dug in as hard as they have and subpoenaed the NRL so we’re going to find out sooner than later just how complicit the NRL was in getting a player to go to Melbourne. They’ve gone to great lengths…to not lose him to the game.” He firmly believes, “The game doesn’t demand Zac Lomax. The guy wanted out for money and he left on certain conditions and now wants (in since) it’s all fallen over. That’s not the game’s responsibility to save Zac Lomax.”
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Lomax’s court date delayed until March | 00:50
Gorden Tallis added that he would be understanding if Lomax pursued a move to rugby, but expressed concern over a potential transfer to Melbourne.
Yet, journalist Brent Read offered a different perspective, stating, “I’m not saying Parramatta shouldn’t get something for Zac Lomax. I think they should. They should get financially compensated which they will do at some point.” Read questioned Parramatta’s surprise, noting, “In my view, what did Parramatta expect? He broke a contract to go to Parramatta. He then broke Parramatta’s contract. Why are they shocked by this? And also how many clubs are chasing Zac Lomax right now – not many. Only one as far as I know. There’s not many that have reached out to Zac Lomax to sign him … given his history.”
Read concluded, “I think he should be back in the game. I want to see him back in the game. He’s a great player. I’d love to see him Melbourne.”
Host Braith Anasta summarized the debate with a sentiment likely shared by many fans: “There needs to be some sort of punishment. Our games needs to have balls. We need to stand by the decisions that we make.”
