Zac Lomax Seals Rugby Union Switch After Legal Battle
Zac Lomax has officially transitioned from rugby league to rugby union, signing a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Western Force. This significant move follows an out-of-court settlement in the NSW Supreme Court, resolving a contract dispute involving Lomax, the Parramatta Eels, and the Melbourne Storm.
The settlement established that Lomax cannot rejoin the National Rugby League (NRL) without the Eels' consent until the 2028 season.
His anticipated debut for the Western Force was subsequently delayed due to a hamstring injury.
Initial Release and R360 Context
A former NSW State of Origin representative, Zac Lomax was granted a release from his four-year contract with the Parramatta Eels at the end of the previous season, just one year into the agreement. This release was conditional, stipulating that Lomax could not sign with another NRL club without the Eels' written consent until October 31, 2028.
This condition was established with the expectation that Lomax intended to join the R360 rugby union competition. However, the launch of R360 was subsequently delayed from 2026 to 2028, leaving Lomax without a club or contract for the 2026 season. Reports indicated Lomax had previously forfeited substantial contracts with both the Eels and Dragons.
Melbourne Storm's Pursuit and Eels' Stance
Following the R360 delay, the Melbourne Storm expressed keen interest in signing Lomax for the 2026 NRL season. The Storm was undergoing roster changes, with Nick Meaney and Tyran Wishart confirmed to depart at the conclusion of the current season, both anticipated to join the Perth Bears from 2027. The Storm also had salary cap flexibility due to the earlier departures of Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nelson Asofa-Solomona, and Jonah Pezet, alongside a season-ending injury to Eliesa Katoa in 2026.
The Parramatta Eels rejected Melbourne's initial approaches, asserting their right to "an appropriate exchange of value" for Lomax's release.
The Eels reportedly sought a player in return, identifying Xavier Coates, Stefano Utoikamanu, or Jack Howarth as potential candidates. The Storm initially offered $200,000 in financial compensation, which was declined by the Eels. Subsequent offers from the Storm, including a revised $300,000 package (comprising $211,000 in salary cap relief and an $89,000 transfer fee), were also rejected.
Legal Proceedings Commence
As negotiations between the clubs stalled, Lomax reportedly engaged lawyer Ramy Qutami to assist in securing a full release from his Eels agreement. The Parramatta Eels subsequently initiated legal proceedings against Lomax in the NSW Supreme Court to enforce the terms of his release, contending that Lomax required their written consent to sign with a rival NRL club. The Eels stated their obligation to protect their contractual rights, noting Lomax had legal representation when agreeing to the release conditions.
Court documents revealed that Lomax had entered into a provisional contract with R360 prior to obtaining his release from the Eels. It was also revealed that the Melbourne Storm had entered into a preliminary contract agreement with Lomax before approaching the Eels for consent.
During legal proceedings, the Eels' legal team alleged that Storm CEO Justin Rodski contacted NRL CEO Andrew Abdo, reportedly requesting that pressure be applied to the Eels to facilitate the transfer, stating that "Lomax staying in the NRL is obviously a win for the game." The Eels further alleged that Storm Chairman Matt Tripp linked potential "punitive steps" by the NRL regarding the Eels' salary cap to their acceptance of the Storm's offer, an assertion denied in writing by NRL CEO Andrew Abdo.
The National Rugby League expressed an interest in mediating the dispute, with ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys advocating for a resolution to retain Lomax within rugby league.
Settlement Reached
A settlement was reached in the NSW Supreme Court. Under the terms of the agreement, Zac Lomax is prohibited from returning to the NRL without the Parramatta Eels' written consent until the 2028 season. This modified an earlier restraint period that was set to expire in 2029.
As part of the settlement, the Melbourne Storm agreed to pay $250,000 towards the Parramatta Eels' legal costs.
The Eels stated their willingness to collaborate with Lomax and his agent to facilitate a move to another NRL club, provided that adequate compensation is received.
Transition to Rugby Union
Following the settlement, Zac Lomax signed a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Western Force, effective immediately.
Lomax stated his move to rugby union was a significant opportunity and challenge, driven by the prospect of joining the Western Force's development and potentially representing the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
He affirmed he had grown up playing both rugby union and rugby league, last playing union in 2015. Western Force head coach Simon Cron confirmed discussions with Lomax and his partner occurred during a visit to Perth.
Western Force Debut and Injury
Lomax was named on the reserves bench for his anticipated professional rugby debut with the Western Force against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane. However, he was withdrawn an hour before kick-off due to hamstring tightness. Western Force coach Simon Cron stated the decision was made to prevent the risk of injury. The Force proceeded to win the match 42-19.
Following the game, both starting wingers, Dylan Pietsch and Darby Lancaster, sustained injuries, raising the possibility of Lomax making his debut in the team's subsequent match against Fijian Drua in Lautoka.