BREAKING: The Parramatta Eels have officially released star winger Zac Lomax from the final three years of his NRL contract. The announcement, made on Sunday, comes amid swirling rumors that Lomax is poised to join the controversial new league, R360, set to launch in late 2024.
This unexpected move has significant implications for the NRL, particularly as it follows the recent exit of Ryan Papenhuyzen, the Melbourne Storm’s star fullback, who is also linked to R360. Lomax’s departure is not just a personal career shift; it represents a growing trend of players considering lucrative opportunities outside traditional rugby leagues.
At just 26, Lomax joined the Eels from St George Illawarra after the 2024 season on a reported $700,000 annual deal. However, his release allows him to pursue opportunities beyond the NRL, with one stipulation: he cannot join a rival NRL club without the Eels’ permission.
The prospect of R360 has sparked controversy across the rugby community. Despite Australian Rugby League Commission chief Peter V’landys labeling the proposed league as “a competition out of a Corn Flakes box,” players are being lured with lucrative contracts. Reports indicate that Brisbane star Payne Haas is being pursued with offers exceeding $3 million annually.
As the NRL grapples with this potential exodus, the league has issued stern warnings to players and agents, threatening 10-year bans for any defection to R360. Furthermore, major rugby nations have signaled intentions to blacklist players from international representation if they sign contracts with the rebel league.
R360 is not just a rumor; it is taking shape under the auspices of the UAE Rugby Federation. The league aims to feature teams in cities such as London, Miami, Tokyo, Dubai, Boston, Cape Town, Lisbon, and Madrid, with a player draft scheduled for July. Co-founded by former England rugby star Mike Tindall, R360 plans to debut with six male and four female teams.
Lomax’s exit creates a vacancy in the Eels’ salary cap, allowing the club to maneuver financially. Recently, Parramatta re-signed winger Josh Addo-Carr and secured Jonah Pezet from Melbourne for a one-season stint before he transitions to the Broncos.
Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as this situation develops, with Lomax’s decision potentially setting a precedent for other players considering their options. The landscape of rugby is undoubtedly shifting, and the implications of R360 could reshape the sport as we know it.
Stay tuned for more updates on this rapidly evolving story and its impact on the NRL and global rugby landscape.
