Lomax attempted to backflip and return to Eels after R360 move fell through

Zac Lomax raised the prospect of returning to Parramatta this year after his Rugby 360 move fell through as it emerged Ryan Matterson was floated as another player the Storm could take in an attempt to get a deal done.

Parramatta have commenced Supreme Court legal action against Lomax, with the case originally set to be heard on February 12th and 13th. During a directions hearing on Tuesday, the prospect of that date being pushed back until after round one was raised after it emerged that the Storm could be added as a party to the proceedings.

Any change in the timeline is significant for all parties, given Lomax is hoping a favourable ruling would allow him to make his debut for Melbourne against the Eels in round one on March 5.

However, the latest and most sensational development is the revelation that Lomax broached the prospect of backflipping and returning to Parramatta this year.

Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity because the matter is before the courts told this masthead that Lomax’s handlers raised the prospect of him returning to the club that had only just released him in November of last year. The Eels had no appetite to welcome Lomax back so soon after requesting a release, privately suspecting it was a cynical ploy that could be raised should the matter end up in court – as it now has.

Informed sources also stated that, in a bid to end the impasse, the prospect of the Storm taking another Parramatta player, Ryan Matterson, in addition to Lomax was also floated. Matterson has a year to run on his Eels deal but has fallen out of favour. The move would have freed up more salary cap space and a roster spot at Parramatta, but the parties haven’t struck an agreement.

The Storm upped their initial financial compensation offer to the Eels from $200,000 to $300,000, but this was also rejected.

In court on Tuesday, Eels barrister Arthur Moses told the court the Storm appeared to act as if Lomax’s signing was a fait accompli after his mooted switch to Rugby 360 fell through.

“Of course that was an unsanctioned, global, franchise-based rugby union competition, which was to create a rival league to traditional rugby with, one might say, a unicorn proposal big of money and promises featuring [playing] overseas,” Moses said.

“What we do know now, from documents that have been [produced] via subpoena is that [Lomax] entered into a provisional contract with R360 conditional on him securing a release from the club.

“What we also know from the documents that have been subpoenaed is that prior to the Melbourne Storm approaching Parramatta for discussions to get consent that he [was in talks to] play for the Melbourne Storm in the competition this year, they had entered into, in effect, a contract that had been placed on the NRL portal, something called Gateway, prior to the Melbourne Storm approaching Parramatta.”

Moses added that documents produced by Lomax’s manager in relation to rugby offers had their financial details redacted, but could be relevant to the case.

Lawyers acting on behalf of Lomax indicated that, in the event of the court finding that Lomax’s contract is binding and Parramatta’s restraint is valid, they will allege that the Eels are acting unreasonably and not in good faith in withholding consent.

Should Lomax be required to file a cross-claim to make those allegations, proceedings would likely widen to include negotiations between the Eels and Storm.

That would prompt the blue and golds to consider which evidence to put forward about those talks, which could result in subpoenas being issued or the Storm becoming a party to proceedings. Either way, Storm chairman Matt Tripp is likely to be called for the hearing.

This masthead revealed that Lomax allegedly told Parramatta officials he didn’t want to play rugby league again when requesting a release.