Parramatta, NRL to investigate images of rising Eels star

Parramatta have informed the NRL integrity unit after being made aware of photographs circulating on social media of rising star Isaiah Iongi.

The matter is poised to become the first case to be adjudicated on by former Supreme Court judge Geoff Bellew, whom the NRL last week appointed as its new independent authority for off-field integrity issues.

This masthead has been sent photos of Iongi seemingly smoking a substance. After becoming aware of the matter, the Eels have contacted the NRL, as is required under the rules when a club suspects there is a potential integrity issue.

Sources speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation have told this masthead that the photos were posted without his consent.

Parramatta officials contacted Iongi on Tuesday morning.

Iongi is considered a future superstar, nominated as one of the rookies of the year after a breakout season in 2025.

After playing just one NRL game for Penrith, Iongi has made the Parramatta No.1 jersey his own following the departure of Clint Gutherson.

The NRL last week handed Bellew the title of “independent decision maker”, making him the final arbiter on off-field disciplinary issues involving players, clubs and officials.

While incidents relating to anti-doping and drug testing issues remain outside his remit, Bellew, who relieves CEO Andrew Abdo and the NRL executive of sanctioning decisions, will be required to adjudicate on the Iongi matter.

Bellew will be required to consider if there’s been a breach of NRL rules, and whether the matter has brought the game into disrepute.

Iongi, 22, was one of the Eels’ stars following their final trial match, Saturday night’s 28-22 comeback victory over the Roosters in Gosford. It was the first time Iongi had played with a new-look spine that included Mitchell Moses, Ryley Smith and new recruit Jonah Pezet.

Speaking after the match, Iongi said he felt his game was developing after a full season in the NRL.

“I think it’s good, obviously I’ve still got a lot to work on,” Iongi said at the time. “I think I can work on those things throughout the week, especially my defence and where I can position myself. So I’ll look to work on that.”

The former Maroons under-19s representative felt he was becoming more comfortable in the top grade after a breakout season.

“I think just experience and time [with] the players, getting those connections built in, knowing how every player plays their game [is beneficial],” Iongi said.

“I think I’m improving and I’ve still got lots to work on … I can preserve my energy and [it’s about] knowing when to put myself into places that I need to be put in, like supports and at the back end.

“I’m learning to do that.”

Meanwhile, the outcome of a Supreme Court case that will determine whether Zac Lomax should be allowed to sign with Melbourne has been pushed back again, after the Eels earned the right to cross-examine Storm chairman Matt Tripp in person.

Tripp had only just left for the United States to conduct business and watch the NRL’s opening round in Las Vegas, hoping he could provide his testimony via video link. The Eels claimed this would put them at a disadvantage, and revealed that two of their officials had cancelled trips to Vegas in order to provide evidence in person.

Justice François Kunc ultimately ruled that Tripp would be required to provide evidence on March 13, two days after returning to Australia. Given that closing submissions are expected to be made on March 17 – on the same day teams are named for Melbourne’s clash with Brisbane – a final determination is unlikely to happen in time for Lomax to be considered for that game, should the court rule in his favour.

“Mr Tripp is not only a witness in this case, he is a central player in respect of this saga,” said the barrister acting for Parramatta, Arthur Moses.

“He is the one who of course who made the initial contact with Parramatta in respect of Mr Lomax going across to the Storm.”

“He is the one who has given comfort to Mr Lomax by having the Melbourne Storm not only reach an agreement with him in respect of him playing for the Storm subject to contractual terms, but also indemnifying him in respect of the restraint that is now being said is invalid weeks after he and his lawyers not only assisted in the drafting of it, but agreed to its terms.

“He is a strategist behind the matter. He is not a witness – we say he is an actor in respect to this. He has a big part …

“Mr Tripp looms large in respect of the matter. His credibility is at issue in respect to the proceedings.”