BREAKING: The Parramatta Eels have officially released star winger Zac Lomax from the final three years of his NRL contract, just confirmed earlier today. This major development comes amid growing speculation that Lomax will defect to the controversial breakaway league, R360, set to launch in late 2024.
This sudden exit marks a significant shift for the Eels, who stated that Lomax is leaving “to pursue opportunities outside the NRL.” This release follows other high-profile exits, including Melbourne Storm fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen, who was also rumored to be considering a move to R360.
At just 26 years old, Lomax joined the Eels from St George Illawarra after the 2024 season on a lucrative deal reportedly worth $700,000 annually. The Eels have agreed to his release with the stipulation that he must not join a rival NRL club without their permission.
In a further twist, there have been attempts to lure Payne Haas, a star from Brisbane and the NSW team, with offers exceeding $3 million per season. The Australian Rugby League Commission chief, Peter V’landys, has publicly dismissed the R360 concept, calling it a “competition out of a Corn Flakes box.”
Officials have warned players and their agents of severe penalties, including 10-year bans for any defection to this new league. Furthermore, major rugby nations are poised to blacklist players from Test representation if they choose to sign R360 contracts.
The privately-owned league, registered under the United Arab Emirates Rugby Federation, plans to feature teams in cities such as London, Miami, Tokyo, Dubai, Boston, Cape Town, Lisbon, and Madrid, with a player draft scheduled for July 2024. Mike Tindall, a former England rugby star, is the face and co-founder of the competition, which aims to launch with six male and four female teams.
Lomax’s departure opens up vital salary cap space for the Eels, who have recently secured Josh Addo-Carr’s re-signing and are set to welcome Jonah Pezet for a one-season stint before he transitions to the Brisbane Broncos.
As the situation develops, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this impacts both the Eels and the broader NRL landscape. Keep following for the latest updates on these unfolding events.
